What are these roof beams called and can they be removed?

[JB3107]

Hi all,

Novice here, having my loft kitted out into a reasonable storage space/work from home space and guys that are doing some of the works say the horizontal beams can definitely come out. They’ve been up there already and shook them around and shown me how loose they are, they wobble quite a lot! They also said the vertical beam in the middle of the loft can come out too as there are other structures that are actually supporting the roof.

Can someone advise me what the horizontal beam spanning the width of the loft is called and also what the big vertical beam is called?

They have already said they won’t be looking at removing any other beams up there but these ones can go. I just wanted to see other opinions before they come and do these works that’s all. I understand what the purlin beams are I think and the roof rafters but I’m unsure on the others so would like to find out what they are.

I have done my research online but every roof seems to be different so uploading pics on here I’m hopeful I can be given solid advice!

Thanks in advance everyone!

JB

Pics:

 

[Deleted member 174758]

Probably just temporary stays put in when the original builders were putting the roof on to hold components in the right place (if you think about it, how do you lift a ridge pole into position and hold it there in mid air whilst you connect four or more rafters to it?) Not uncommon for them to be left in place after the structure is built because it doesn't pay to spend time removing them. That's why research will give you no answers

 

[JB3107]

Thank you buddy for you’re reply. Makes sense what you are saying!

That’s why I put photos up because when I was looking online there were just so many variables I thought my plainsman lingo wouldn’t help so pictures should hopefully make sense of what I was trying to say!

That’s goods news though as it makes the space more friendly for me up there.

More replies welcome!

 

[^woody^]

The vertical timbers appear to be hangers, which are intended to support that binder at ceiling level which would otherwise be over-spanned.

The horizontal timbers appear to be braces to the hanger, to keep it ridgid due to its length and/or collars to brace the purlins. Forming a sort of truss effect.

 

[JB3107]

Thanks Woody, do you think they can be removed? The guys coming seem to think they can be!

 

[^woody^]

If they are structural members, they can't be removed without consideration of how the roof will react.

Unless "the guys" are structural engineers or have specialist knowledge of roof framing (and insurance) then best be wary of their enthusiasm - especially if the reason they say things can be removed is so that they can get on with their job and get paid.

 

[bernardgreen]

Beware the hazard

and shown me how loose they are,

A tie beam is under tension but can still appear to be "loose"

 

[JB3107]

Thanks for the replies chaps!

 

[catlad]

Looks like a 50s type construction, those purlins are under sized hence the need for additional bracing.

 

[JB3107]

Thanks catlad, it is a 1950’s build that’s correct.

 

[diy_fun_uk]

With no disrespect to the people doing the work, I echo what others are saying. Unless they are experienced in roof construction, I'd be seeking a second opinion from someone who is before anything is removed.

 

[JB3107]

Thanks mate, turns out they brought in an structural engineer who works with them and he advised the horizontal beams could come out and the vertical one closest to the chimney breast. Nothing else was allowed to come out though. Thanks for everyone’s help and advice!

 

[^woody^]

Get the SE's opinion in writing, on his letterhead with company names and qualifications.

Roof or ceiling creep is typically gradual and long term.

 

[JB3107]

Thanks Woody, that’s spot on mate, that’s what we got

Appreciate all the helpful advice!