In an earlier contribution to this discussion,
Callum wrote:

Hi,

Can anyone help me with the following problem. I'm currently
renovating a 3 storey terraced house, and have moved onto the top
floor (see diagram below). The top floor is in the roof, but isn't
an attic conversion as there is an original dormer window to the
front. The problem I have is I want to create more space by knocking
down a wall (see * in the diagram below - it's only a lathe and
plaster wall, non load bearing) and taking the room into the eaves.
This should be easy, but where they used 6x2 joists (see 1) in the
room, they used 3x2 joists (see 2) in the eaves. On top and across
of the smaller joists runs a 6x2 joist, which I guess is to stop them
sagging with the weight of the ceiling below. This joist is
supported by the outer wall and the last 6x2 joist. I guess this
joist will have to come out eventually as it's 3 inches higher than
the floor in the room (3 inch joist below + 6 inch joist = 9 inches
vs 6 inch joist in the room)

How can I re-inforce these smaller joists so they can take the weight
of people moving around (although they are in the eaves, there is
enough head room for a bed, desk, etc). I'd also like to be able to
keep the whole floor at the same level.

I really appreciate any help.

Cheers

I think I've got a fair idea from the diagram - although ascii art isn't a
very good way to represent it.

What's the max unsupported span of the 6 x 2 joists?

Am I right in thinking that the joists are at right angles to the roof
rafters in plan view - rather than the more usual parallel arrangement?

What is actually holding the roof up - are there purlins, supported in the
end walls? If not, are you *sure* that this stud wall is not structural, and
is not helping to support the roof?

Assuming that the stud wall *isn't*structural, and that the span is ok for 6
x 2's, could you fix a new 6 x 2 to the side of each 3 x 2 - and support the
ends off the end walls with hangers? You'd have to remove the 6 x 2 running
the other way - but that shouldn't be a problem.

As always, the advice has to be to consult a structural engineer - but it
doesn't hurt to have your own ideas first, as a basis for discussion.
--
Cheers,
Set Square
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