attic conversion

[Shytalkz]

Why not just resin bolt a bearer to the wall and then use hangers to sit the joists in, instead of titting around with angles?

You will need to put some diagonal struts in from the ex rafter feet to the new joists - say every fourth one - to triangulate and stop the roof spreading once you whip the old joists out. These need putting in before you go chonking the old joists out; 4"x2" and an M12 bolt with 48x4 plate washers either end on member centrelines will suffice. You will also need to overlap and bolt the new joists together from front to rear, to maintain the tying effect.

These joists will take roof load via a dwarf stud wall in lieu of the ex purlins and props, so will need specific design - span tables are not applicable.

If you want it designing and have pix and plans with some dims, feel free to email me.

 

[leedrobinson]

presume a bearer is just a length of timber,would this have to be same size as floor joists? sounds easy and lighter than angles.
i would like to draw some plans up to show exactly what i`m trying to do,do you know of a program or app. that is free and easy to use?

 

[Shytalkz]

Plenty of freebies if you Google "free CAD software". I think Google sketchUp is great but it's not for everyone; and you really only need 2D for what you want to be doing.

Bearer: yes and yes and it is .

 

[pantsmachine]

Hey mate,

Best thing would be to employ an architect to do your drawings. Forums are great for advice through the job and of course to entertain all who come here but you can't beat getting the drawings done by the real deal. i have found my architects advice invaluable in the planning stages of my loft conversion and also my extension. They are a great way to shortcut any madness that might not be possible and if they are any good they will be able to adapt your ideas to reality which will pass planning no problem. good luck with the build.

P.S on both my builds the steel beams/framework's that were used were massive and everyone who saw them thought they were OTT including tradesmen. Nonetheless we went ahead with the structural engineers post calc beam sizes and nothing had shifted and all's good. Imagine what could have happened if we went on peoples 'advice' well meant though it all was....