Naive question

[Bluesbreaker]

Hi all

I had a loft conversion specialist around the other night to quote me for a compliant first fix conversion - i.e. stairs, suspended floor and roof windows. I don't doubt his credentials, but he said he would probably have to mak a 'small hole' in the gable end of my house to get the steel joists in place. My reaction was one of horror, if i'm honest - it's just been expensively re-rendered!

I thought it more likely that it could be brought in through the roof or indeed assembled in pieces in the loft itself. What's the norm for 10m lengths like this? If it means knocking a hole in the gable end, I think i'll leave well alone.

Thanks

 

[danlightbulb]

Whilst im not an expert in the subject - others on here are - a single length of RSJ is much preferable to assembled sections for strength reasons.

What will happen is the RSJ will be supported by the gable end wall - hence the sense in getting it in that way and simply resting it on the gable end brickwork with use of padstones.

Can you not re-render the 1m2 patch of repaired brickwork and repaint same colour?

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Whilst im not an expert in the subject - others on here are - a single length of RSJ is much preferable to assembled sections for strength reasons.

If the joints designed properly it'll be as strong as one complete length.

 

[noseall]

i,m guessing a 10m long house will have a couple of dividing walls upstairs breaking the house into 3 sections at 3m+ in length.

a 3m section of steel can be very difficult to get into a loft, via a loft hatch.

why expensively re-furnish the outside of your house, knowing you are about to carry out further works.

seems like somebody has got his scope of works a little wrong.

 

[Bluesbreaker]

Ah, yes, but I didn't say I expensively re-rendered it. It was the previous owner and i've only just moved in. He passes every day and I think he'd do me over if I cut part of the gable end away

Thank for the advice. I will do my best to avoid it, but no qualms if I have to,