Extending Loft Hatch

[relaxedchap]

I want to extend my existing loft hatch as shown in the diagram below. Currently the hatch is too small for easy access. I also want to install a loft ladder to make it easy for my wife to get in and out.

In the diagram below, I have shown the existing opening and current joists in black. The proposed opening is shown in red. The proposed new joists to support are shown in red. Is this feasible and sound?

The new joists will be sized to match originals and will be bolted together. Joist ends will be screwed through with appropriate size screws.

Current joists are 400mm centres. joists also sit in party wall.

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• relaxedchap
• 26 Feb 2013
• 1

 

[dann09]

Perhaps, you could scan a sketch with dimensions of what's there and what you propose?

How far from the party wall are you?

How far from any other joist supporting walls are you?

Maybe a sistered joist could be inserted at joist B, and a new joist, or a double joist, installed at the other end of the trap framing.

Have you taken into account the headroom dimensions req'd for the loft ladder that you have in mind?

Do you contemplate storing heavy items in the loft?

 

[HERTS P&D]

This post might help:

//www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=235194

Andy

 

[relaxedchap]

I have updated the drawing to show the party wall and supporting wall distances. The loft hatch is 10cm from both supporting walls and the party wall. The supporting wall to the left of the hatch as drawn, runs at 90 degrees to joists, so I assume this is a joist supporting wall?

The supporting walls are shown as thick dashed lines at 90 degrees to each other. The joists appear to be consistently at 400mm centres.
The headroom is massive. Even on tip toes I can’t reach the roof level, so no worry about the ladder.

The loft will be used for storing personal items, luggage, few boxes of nik naks and some painting canvasses. The loft space is approximately 13m x 6m, all fully insulated and boarded, so spreading the stored items out the spread any weight will not be an issue.

Appreciate the feedback and assistance

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• relaxedchap
• 27 Feb 2013
• 1