Old ceiling joists: sagging and lack of wall plate

[WoodyO]

Recently pulled down the ceiling in a 1930s semi, North Devon, due to sagging ceiling, 1st floor bedroom, no intention to use loft.

Fibre boards were sagging, but the joists appear to be sagging slightly too, although not by a worrying about.

What I'm unsure of is where they meet the rafters, there seems to be little means of securing, no wall plate I can see, approx. 3.5m span. Joists are at 600mm centres.

We are looking to board the ceiling, either wth counter batons at 400mm or by replacing the joists and attaching directly to rafters?

If the current setup is okay, and I suppose it has been for long enough, I'll just go with the counter batons.

First post, thanks for your patience. Mechanical engineer by trade but first big home project.

 

[blup]

I’d be less inclined to worry if the ridge is supported at the gable ends, thereby reducing the spreading forces on the walls

 

[WoodyO]

I’d be less inclined to worry if the ridge is supported at the gable ends, thereby reducing the spreading forces on the walls

Thanks for the reply, the roof is hipped.

 

[cdbe]

Wall plate may be behind the plaster, on the outer skin or not there at all but if no issues it's doing its job. Always worth checking the plumb of the top of the walls for evidence of spread. Don't follow counter battening the ceiling? Either reboard existing joists if you're happy with the deflection - a decent plasterer would be able to bond out round the perimeter to hide a reasonable amount, or sister them.

The big issue with those raised tie ceilings is insulation (or lack of) in the sloping area - as you have it all stripped it would be well worth attending to that.

Oh, and this would probably be more appropriate for the main "Building" section - I think if you "report' your post it can be moved.

 

[WoodyO]

Wall plate may be behind the plaster, on the outer skin or not there at all but if no issues it's doing its job. Always worth checking the plumb of the top of the walls for evidence of spread. Don't follow counter battening the ceiling? Either reboard existing joists if you're happy with the deflection - a decent plasterer would be able to bond out round the perimeter to hide a reasonable amount, or sister them.

The big issue with those raised tie ceilings is insulation (or lack of) in the sloping area - as you have it all stripped it would be well worth attending to that.

Oh, and this would probably be more appropriate for the main "Building" section - I think if you "report' your post it can be moved.

Thanks for your feedback, much appreciated. Will look to sort the insulation before the boarding is completed.

Ref. Counter batons, fixing 1x2 at 400mm centres perpendicular to the joists, as although the joists are 600mm, some are irregular. That's from what plasterer has asked.

 

[danlightbulb]

No comments on your specific job but in general it astounds me the things these builders got away with in past times. I know these houses are still standing so I suppose the proof is right there but when you look at the mess in which the job is done its an absolute disgrace.