Can I move my Joists?

[Chris80]

I am wanting to make good use of my loft space and have decided to start drawing plans on how best to use the loft space. But here is the problem can I move my joist which are currently 10 feet apart? I would like to move them under the purlins and this would give me a floor space of 13 feet, so then they would be 13 feet apart.
Not sure if this makes sense would love to hear from people who know more then me
Chris

 

[catlad]

Your right that makes no sense.

 

[Chris80]

OK Ill try again
In my loft I have two Joists that goes across the top part of my house supporting the struts that support the purlins which support the rafters. The person the lived in my house before me made a floor space and turned it into a mini office. The floor he layed is between the two joists but if I could move the two Joists further apart I could gain more floor space.
Does this make sense now?
I want to move my Joists in the loft further apart to create more walking space.
C

 

[rjm2k]

I'm not sure those joists are supporting the purlins, sounds like the struts you mean are joist hangers which means the purlins are supporting the joists afaik.

 

[Burnerman]

I think we'll need some pics of this proposal, but it sounds like you have a 'purlin roof' structure and the main ceiling joists are fixed to the rafters and therefore removal would mean stripping the roof.....
John

 

[Chris80]

I will take some pictures and post them later today. Thanks everyone who has replied much appriciated.

 

[Chris80]

Untitled

• Chris80
• 26 Jun 2013
• 1

Hopefully you can now see what it is I am trying so badly to say.
The joists on the attice floor is what I am wanting to move directly under the the purlins this way I have more floor area.
I use words like struts, joist and purlin from a diagram I saw so hoping i named them right.
Thanks to all for your replys I am new to this site and still learning.
Chris