Strengthen loft for unvented cylinder

[rjmeer]

Hi,

I'm getting my vented cylinder replaced soon and the heating engineer is suggesting the we install an unvented cylinder in the loft. Whilst I think this is a great idea as it'll free up space within the house and reduce the length of pipework to the bathrooms, I'm concerned that the loft might not be able to take the weight given that we're looking at a 300l cylinder.

The house was built 25 years ago so the loft has fink trusses made of 2x4 timber at 400mm centres. The trusses have have a span of approximately 7m and the roof pitch is 40 degrees. The plan is to install the cylinder right next to the gable wall and the heating engineer is suggesting the we'll need to install additional timbers to span across a number of trusses to spread the load. Given the weight of the cylinder when full of water (350kg), I'm not sure if what is being proposed will be adequate - any thoughts or suggestions on this would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[big-all]

what is the gap between the closets 2 walls under the trusses you could use built in cupboard or small bathroom for example ??

 

[rjmeer]

hi big-all

There are quite a few non load bearing walls nearby under the trusses and a bathroom directly below where we are planning to put the cylinder. There is already plenty of space within the house to locate the cylinder if required but it would be nice to put the cylinder in the loft if possible so we're not using up valuable living space.

 

[big-all]

joists off say 6 or 8"x2" perhaps 4 above and between too close walls in the attic assuming they can take the weight