The problems with most modern houses are that the ceilings are too low and
the rooms too narrow. No dount all thanks to ergonomics - the science of
making things just too small to be comfortable.

Today's obsession with environment (only the outdoor environment, mind,
which is not where most people spend their time) means a lack of fresh air
and higher levels of pollutants indoors. When I lived in a new flat, I felt
like I was always getting a cold (that bunged up feeling). As soon as I
moved to a draughty old victorian house with single glazing and open fires,
I felt much healthier.

Stuff the heating costs, health is more important than some eco nonsense.

Mal


"IMM" wrote in message
...

"Mike Mitchell" wrote in message
...

My ex-council house semi is basic in design, but built like the
proverbial brick "outhouse". Since all the internal walls, ground
floor and first floor, are of solid masonry, the joists in the loft
seem really strong with no discernible spring when one steps along
one. The joists are now partially boarded over, but I was wondering
what a brand new house is like in the loft. In a modern house, the
walls are usually stud type, i.e. not load-bearing.

Only on the upper levels usually and around the downstairs toilet.

So how strong are the ceiling joists in the loft
in a modern house? How to they stay up
without load-bearing walls to support them?

They are ruff trusses. Each truss is all one piece and spans the width of
the house. The internal walls usually have a wood piece here and there
from
floor to roof trusses giving extra mid way support on some.

Some modern house are very well made and very sturdy. The problem with
older houses is they lack insulation and cost a fortune to run.