Bracing between beams

[stratblast]

I'm removing the plasterboard from a ground floor ceiling and have found there to be bracing between some of the beams, some of the other houses in the terrace (c1870) have exposed beam ceilings and they don't have any bracing. The floor above has a stone flag floor over the floorboards and presumably the bracing was put in due to the extra weight of the stones..my question is can I remove the bracing? It's just here and there rather than all over?

Untitled

• stratblast
• 5 Apr 2010
• 1

Untitled

• stratblast
• 5 Apr 2010
• 1

Untitled

• stratblast
• 5 Apr 2010
• 1

 

[noseall]

Bracing (solid bridging or herringbone strutting) is there to stiffen the floor. It is a structural element.

You would be surprised at the difference it makes. It prevents twist as loads are imparted upon the joists.

By exposing the beams you will compromise structural integrity, acoustic integrity and fire safety.

Exposed beams is a bit '70's in any case.