Extend Loft Hatch & Loft Boarding Load

[oakc]

Hi all,

just want to clarify before going ahead and because i never seem to have this kind of luck but i'm looking to extend my loft hatch and luckily the existing hatch sits between the two joists and only need to remove the existing frame/noggin and cutout plasterboard, just wanted to see what the plank above the hatch frame/noggin was for and why it would be put down?

i'm assuming it's just for servicing reasons to give walk ways to where the aerial and water tanks where installed? it finishes/been cut before the water tank (next joist to the right of the hatch) but spans the whole length of the loft? (excluding under the water tank) - main reason why i'm checking as one the other side too

i just thought i'd double check before i go on my merry way cutting...

*also there are random pieces going diagonal along the roof trusses (only on the one side) these aren't of any structural reason being there are they? if not, why would someone do that? any practical reasons?

i plan to use loftzone with 18mm loftboards (5kg) in the middle - the joists are 3 by 2 and 565mm apart (600mm from center of joist to center of next) - do i need to worry about weight or will loftzone and my style roof be ok? want to use loft for medium-ish weight for storage + me and someone else walking around up there.

Thanks in advance

 

[^woody^]

The random diagonal pieces are bracings stopping the roof trusses falling sideways.

You can do what you like with that hatch and the trusses will take any normal household storage items.

 

[cdbe]

The "plank" could well be a ceiling binder and if so should probably be relocated, not removed.

 

[oakc]

how would i relocate it? also it finishes to the right of the hatch (middle of the span) would shortening it to left of the hatch be a problem?

 

[^woody^]

The "plank" could well be a ceiling binder and if so should probably be relocated, not removed.

Trussed roofs don't have binders.

 

[oakc]

thanks for your posts, is there anyway to confirm this? its been cut out already when the water tank was installed - water tank was installed when house was built so think ur right woody.