Hi I'm looking for some advice as how to tackle a loft conversion project please. My original intention was to install a staircase above the existing one & complete an already boarded out loft.
On inspection of the loft space I've found that I have a king post with no struts & the rafters sit on a wall plate on top of the external walls (mid terraced house). The joists run perpendicular to the rafters so I'm assuming the purlins stop the rafters from spreading?
I've found that the ceiling joists meet on the tie post under the king post. I cant tell if they're notched or not.
Large purlins appear to sit on the party wall & the roof ridge is in good condition. I'm wondering what is actually holding up the ceiling joists? They are staggered on the tie post & nailed to the wall on a very thin piece of wood. Im amazed the ceiling hasn't dropped when I was up there !
Ceiling joists are notched onto a 10mm thick piece of timber. The joists are an odd thickness (50mm x 65mm)
& this is the wall I'd like to remove from above the stairs;
I knew it was just void space there.
Here are some rough plans for the house as well;
I was hoping to cut strengthen joists and cut out space for stairs, strengthen joists where required & the onto party wall. Sister ceiling joists & re board floor. Do electrics etc & then get roof felted in 2020. I seriously doubt that the ceiling joists will take anything other than light storage. Unless I'm missing something there must be a hidden structural stud wall under the tie post which means the wall I want to remove might be a semi structural stud wall? It's an old house but i am completely baffled by what approach to take. I'll be getting a structural engineer in to confirm things before i start any work but for now any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks,
J
On inspection of the loft space I've found that I have a king post with no struts & the rafters sit on a wall plate on top of the external walls (mid terraced house). The joists run perpendicular to the rafters so I'm assuming the purlins stop the rafters from spreading?
Ceiling joists are notched onto a 10mm thick piece of timber. The joists are an odd thickness (50mm x 65mm)
& this is the wall I'd like to remove from above the stairs;
I knew it was just void space there.
Here are some rough plans for the house as well;
Thanks,
J