Hi,
My loft has joists which are approximately 6m long and are only 2x4
In some parts of the loft I have stacked new 2x4s on top, and then T&G laminate on top. However, there are a number of cross beams, so I have not spanned the whole 6m in one, but have stacked either side.
I am now doing a smaller section of the loft, and I would like to sister 2x8s alongside the existing 2x4, but am still prevented from doing so by the cross beams.
Below is a plan diagram of the area along with a photo of the cross beam.
What I would ideally like to do is sister all of the joists between the top outer wall and the internal brick wall (a length of approx 3.5 metres), such as the sistered joist shown in yellow.
I would like to know if that cross beam could be safety removed and then reattached to the top of the new 2x8s.
I am assuming that the purpose of the cross beam is to provide some lateral stability, but wonder if it can be temporarily removed.
If it cannot be removed I would have to notch to half the depth of the 2x8s to accommodate the cross beam, but wonder what that would do to the integrity of the 2x8.
Any thoughts would be much appreciated.
My loft has joists which are approximately 6m long and are only 2x4
In some parts of the loft I have stacked new 2x4s on top, and then T&G laminate on top. However, there are a number of cross beams, so I have not spanned the whole 6m in one, but have stacked either side.
I am now doing a smaller section of the loft, and I would like to sister 2x8s alongside the existing 2x4, but am still prevented from doing so by the cross beams.
Below is a plan diagram of the area along with a photo of the cross beam.
What I would ideally like to do is sister all of the joists between the top outer wall and the internal brick wall (a length of approx 3.5 metres), such as the sistered joist shown in yellow.
I would like to know if that cross beam could be safety removed and then reattached to the top of the new 2x8s.
I am assuming that the purpose of the cross beam is to provide some lateral stability, but wonder if it can be temporarily removed.
If it cannot be removed I would have to notch to half the depth of the 2x8s to accommodate the cross beam, but wonder what that would do to the integrity of the 2x8.
Any thoughts would be much appreciated.