Hello:
I have an attic space constructed from rafters, as opposed to pre-built frames (roofing trusses).
It is a pitched hipped roof on a semi. There is a big beam (12") forming the peak, and big beams also about 1/3rd then again about 2/3rds down the roof, these have rafters on them going vertically, then the smaller wood strips with the tiles hanging on them.
The ceiling of the upstairs (the floor of the attic) is 2x3" beams, there is a brick supporting wall in the centre (except for over the landing because the wall stops) there are another two walls upstairs, but the top half in made of wood studding up to the ceiling as opposed to brick all the way up)
There is a decent sized space up there which is half floored with chipboard and already used for storage.
I have need to store books up there, but am concerned about weight issues. The best place for the shelves is above the landing - meaning there is a span of about 20ft where the ceiling/floor beams have no extra support from underneath.
I am wondering if I can use the heavy duty (5mm) galvanised steel straps that builders use, between the floor beams and the large beams in the roof construction to help transfer some of the weight to the roof structure, is this allowed?
As an extra question - the builders straps only seem to be 1m long - can I bolt two together to get the length I need, or should I use 3x4 wood instead?
Thanks very much
Ian
I have an attic space constructed from rafters, as opposed to pre-built frames (roofing trusses).
It is a pitched hipped roof on a semi. There is a big beam (12") forming the peak, and big beams also about 1/3rd then again about 2/3rds down the roof, these have rafters on them going vertically, then the smaller wood strips with the tiles hanging on them.
The ceiling of the upstairs (the floor of the attic) is 2x3" beams, there is a brick supporting wall in the centre (except for over the landing because the wall stops) there are another two walls upstairs, but the top half in made of wood studding up to the ceiling as opposed to brick all the way up)
There is a decent sized space up there which is half floored with chipboard and already used for storage.
I have need to store books up there, but am concerned about weight issues. The best place for the shelves is above the landing - meaning there is a span of about 20ft where the ceiling/floor beams have no extra support from underneath.
I am wondering if I can use the heavy duty (5mm) galvanised steel straps that builders use, between the floor beams and the large beams in the roof construction to help transfer some of the weight to the roof structure, is this allowed?
As an extra question - the builders straps only seem to be 1m long - can I bolt two together to get the length I need, or should I use 3x4 wood instead?
Thanks very much
Ian