My loft. Is this normal? And should I worry about this?

[CovBoy]

Hi,

Just starting work on clearing the attic and insulating, as currently it's an absolute mess.

The picture of the floor - is that normal? Is it plaster?

The picture of the split beam? Is that another job that needs doing?

Thanks

Ben

 

[bernardgreen]

It is not the floor, it is the top of the ceiling. Perfectly normal lath and plaster as used before plaster board was "invented"

The split post is a concern. If it splits further then the purlin it is supporting and the roof above will sag downwards and weaken the roof structure. A tight metal band around the top of the post should be enough to prevent further splitting

 

[John D v2.0]

To add to Bernard's post id also be tempted to improve the fixing between the post and purlin. Nowadays you'd use a proper bracket with plenty of fixings but even without you could put a couple of decent screws in to fix it in place.

 

[Tigercubrider]

With my heating water tank in the loft, the plumber pointed out that I had a similar issue- albeit wi less load

I made a replacement and added it (sistering?) next to th original