Removing section of a supporting wall in loft

[alexjgoldie]

Hello all.
I have already spoke to a guy who specialises in loft conversions, but I'd appreciate a second opinion.

Having just had my roof completely re-tiled, I'm going to have the loft boarded out etc. However there is a supporting wall, which the main joists sit on. This wall separates the loft in half, making it difficult to access one half.

The guy I have spoken with advises that all the weight from the roof is downwards and that a section of brick work could be safely removed to create a walkway.

The concerns I have is that the roof may concertina inwards. After all why would they build a complete wall if not required?

Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

[^woody^]

You can replace the wall with timber struts. One vertical and one at 90° to the rafters.

Loft specialist? Lol.

 

[bernardgreen]

The guy I have spoken with advises that all the weight from the roof is downwards and that a section of brick work could be safely removed to create a walkway.

That guy is wrong. The weight is downwards but the forces created by the weight pressing onto the rafters are both vertical and horizontal

You can replace the wall with timber struts. One vertical and one at 90° to the rafters.

The struts would have to be standing on walls capable of taking the weight.

In the OP's roof the brick wall is supporting the ends of two sections of purlins ( the horizontal "beam"). This would complicate the arrangment for struts to replace the brick wall.

Are there any horizontal tie beams at the bottom of the rafters preventing the bottoms of the rafters moving outwards ?

 

[^woody^]

The struts would have to be standing on walls capable of taking the weight

Which is the wall below that section of wall being removed!

And the ceiling joists are trying the rafters. No need for any additional ties.

 

[alexjgoldie]

Thank you for all your answers. I did think there would be horizontal forces in play. I'm even more concerned about having this guy do the work now! Not sure about any existing tie beams, I will have to look into it, however I suspect not.
Where in the west mids do you live Woody? Don't suppose you fancy a foreigner do you lol?

 

[alexjgoldie]

Also just to be clear, was only planning to remove approximately a doors width of bricks so I can walk through. Hence the perlins will still be sitting on a section of wall each, but was not sure if horizontal forces would push them inwards.
Thanks again.

 

[^woody^]

You could come in two bricks from that purlin on the top course and then cut the wall vertically on each side. But in practical terms, that would almost certainly dislodge the bricks under the purlin, requiring them to be rebuilt. But that's a guide for you

Tie beams, ie collars, go above purlins. The roof does not have them and doesn't need them. The purlins are doing that function, along with the joists.

I'm booked up until 2020 . Lol

 

[tony1851]

I'm booked up until 2020 . Lol

Only 2020? - I'm sorry to hear that. But the economics experts did warn us there would be a downturn after a brexit vote.

 

[alexjgoldie]

Haha 2020. Thanks again for you answers.
The pic is quite deceiving, the chimney on the right has now been removed when the roof tiles were replaced so the wall is slightly wider than it looks. I would say the light switch is central on the wall.
So strictly speaking, if I could come in 2 or 3 bricks either side would that be sufficient support or would the horizontal forces collapse the roof inwards?

Much appreciated

 

[^woody^]

Yeah, two bricks in would be fine.

 

[^woody^]

I'm booked up until 2020 . Lol

Only 2020? - I'm sorry to hear that. But the economics experts did warn us there would be a downturn after a brexit vote.

And between 2020 and 2025, there will be all the work in place of all the dodgy builders that get sent back to the EU.

Then I'll be living next to Branson for a while.

Well that's plan A