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UK diy (uk.d-i-y) For the discussion of all topics related to diy (do-it-yourself) in the UK. All levels of experience and proficency are welcome to join in to ask questions or offer solutions. |
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Can I raise my joists?
I pulled down a sagging ceiling in one of my bedrooms at the weekend
(as one does). Above it, the joists spanning the room are bowed and need replacing. The joists are nailed into the rafters beneath the oak beams that run the length of the house on either side (they are not attached to the beams). What I would like to do is replace the joists with ones above the oak beams (to expose the beams and create more space in the bedroom). Bad ASCII art of the side view follows. What I have (The O's are the oak beams); /\ / \ / \ /O O\ /----------------\ / \ | | | | | | What I want; /\ / \ /________\ /O O\ / \ / \ | | | | | | I have 2 bedrooms in this elevation with a brick wall in the middle (upto the height of the oak beams). The walls are stone to the height of the beams with brick above. A brick extension runs off a hip in the middle of the house The joists are 3"x1 1/2", the rafters are 3"x2", Both are about 10' in length.. They are spaced about 1' apart along the roof. Can I do what I want? Is there a good book? Is is diy or do I need an expert? Any other information that I should post here? Thanks, John |
#2
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Can I raise my joists?
In an earlier contribution to this discussion,
John Seed wrote: I pulled down a sagging ceiling in one of my bedrooms at the weekend (as one does). Above it, the joists spanning the room are bowed and need replacing. The joists are nailed into the rafters beneath the oak beams that run the length of the house on either side (they are not attached to the beams). What I would like to do is replace the joists with ones above the oak beams (to expose the beams and create more space in the bedroom). Bad ASCII art of the side view follows. What I have (The O's are the oak beams); /\ / \ / \ /O O\ /----------------\ / \ | | | What I want; /\ / \ /________\ /O O\ / \ / \ | | | I have 2 bedrooms in this elevation with a brick wall in the middle (upto the height of the oak beams). The walls are stone to the height of the beams with brick above. A brick extension runs off a hip in the middle of the house The joists are 3"x1 1/2", the rafters are 3"x2", Both are about 10' in length.. They are spaced about 1' apart along the roof. Can I do what I want? Is there a good book? Is is diy or do I need an expert? Any other information that I should post here? Thanks, John It's probably ok, if the oak beams are fully supporting the roof. However, there is a possibility that the joists are an integral part of the structure, and are required to prevent the roof from spreading. You would do well to consult a structural engineer before removing them. -- Cheers, Set Square ______ Please reply to newsgroup. Reply address is invalid. |
#3
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Can I raise my joists?
Can I do what I want? Is there a good book? Is is diy or do I need
an expert? It looks possible to me, but you need to get a structural engineer to calculate it. In particular, the joists may currently be used to reduce spreading loads from the roof. It must be ensured that the new joist position with less leverage is still sufficient for that purpose. Even if not, there's probably a way through, such as using hidden metal rods or flitch beams or something. As to whether the work is DIYable, that depends on your experience. Personally, I'd get a builder in to do the structural stuff, but would probably put up the plasterboard, insulation and electrics myself. (I'd get a plasterer in to skim it). Christian. |
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Can I raise my joists?
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#5
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Can I raise my joists?
In article ,
John Seed wrote: Can I do what I want? Is there a good book? Is is diy or do I need an expert? I'd certainly get in a structural engineer. Shouldn't cost a fortune. -- *Eschew obfuscation * Dave Plowman London SW 12 RIP Acorn |
#6
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Can I raise my joists?
Excellent responses, thanks.
Any recommendations for a structural engineer in Cheshire/Staffordshire/Shropshire? Thanks again, John |
#7
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Can I raise my joists?
"John Seed" wrote in message
om Excellent responses, thanks. Any recommendations for a structural engineer in Cheshire/Staffordshire/Shropshire? Don't be silly. Recommending a use of them is not the same as having ever used them. The oak -if oak they be, are purlins. The wall plate rests on the wall. The joists pulling the rafters together will occur above or below the purlins but the way the rafters bend with resultants will change. Instead of tending to arc out they will tend to arc in. Getting good photos before you do the job will not only get you more confidant help but provide you with a record of stability over the years you remain there. Whatever you decide, there was something already wrong with the building when you had to pull the ceiling down. I suspect a previous owner did something non-U with the roof. Get lots of lights in there and a good photographer. -- Posted via Mailgate.ORG Server - http://www.Mailgate.ORG |
#8
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Can I raise my joists?
The oak -if oak they be, are purlins.
Obviously, I'm just assuming oak. Getting good photos before you do the job will not only get you more confidant help but provide you with a record of stability over the years you remain there. OK, I've got "some" photos; http://www.photobox.co.uk/album/albu...c_album=727733 But what's my next move? Thanks, John |
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Can I raise my joists?
In message , John Seed
writes The oak -if oak they be, are purlins. Obviously, I'm just assuming oak. Getting good photos before you do the job will not only get you more confidant help but provide you with a record of stability over the years you remain there. OK, I've got "some" photos; http://www.photobox.co.uk/album/albu...c_album=727733 But what's my next move? Post them somewhere that doesn't require the viewer to log in ? -- geoff |
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Can I raise my joists?
"geoff" wrote in message
OK, I've got "some" photos; http://www.photobox.co.uk/album/albu...c_album=727733 But what's my next move? A bungalow I think. Make sure the family gets out before that move takes place Post them somewhere that doesn't require the viewer to log in? -- Posted via Mailgate.ORG Server - http://www.Mailgate.ORG |
#11
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Can I raise my joists?
Post them somewhere that doesn't require the viewer to log in ?
I hadn't clicked the "public" button; http://www.photobox.co.uk/public/det...c_album=727733 |
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Can I raise my joists?
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#14
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Can I raise my joists?
"John Seed" wrote in message om... I pulled down a sagging ceiling in one of my bedrooms at the weekend (as one does). Above it, the joists spanning the room are bowed and need replacing. The joists are nailed into the rafters beneath the oak beams that run the length of the house on either side (they are not attached to the beams). What I would like to do is replace the joists with ones above the oak beams (to expose the beams and create more space in the bedroom). Bad ASCII art of the side view follows. What I have (The O's are the oak beams); /\ / \ / \ /O O\ /----------------\ / \ | | | | | | What I want; /\ / \ /________\ /O O\ / \ / \ | | | | | | I have 2 bedrooms in this elevation with a brick wall in the middle (upto the height of the oak beams). The walls are stone to the height of the beams with brick above. A brick extension runs off a hip in the middle of the house The joists are 3"x1 1/2", the rafters are 3"x2", Both are about 10' in length.. They are spaced about 1' apart along the roof. Can I do what I want? Is there a good book? Is is diy or do I need an expert? Any other information that I should post here? What is the age of this house. Roof design has changed over the years and the places where forces are applied changed with it. I've done something with a very similar end result in my house and it looks fabulous, but the joists run parallel to the purlins so there was far less problems. The main problem with modifying your arrangment is that the stresses on the new joints will be higher than the current arrangement. Also there is unfortunately a possibility of the roof moving as the new arrangement settles causing some work to be needed there as well. Do you REALLY want to do this ? |
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Can I raise my joists?
What is the age of this house.
I'm guessing at least 150 years, though I think the roof (except the beams) is 20th century Do you REALLY want to do this ? Only if it's not TOO EXPENSIVE. Thanks, John |
#16
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Can I raise my joists?
If his joists are running parallel to the purlins he had a good reason
to use a structural engineer. (He can sue the pants off the fool if he lives long enough.) It won't cost you much more than the time you put into it and a few sheets of board and some insulation. Edit to an earlier post: If you put the plasterboard on top of the newly positioned joists, you will not need to bother with the battons. Take the time to put a light in the roof space. Space the joists according to the board you use. Ply would be better than plasterboard as you can then utilise the attic. If you put the ply under the purlins as suggested you might want to put lights in it, so put the wire behind them as you go and drill through for the feeds. -- Posted via Mailgate.ORG Server - http://www.Mailgate.ORG |
#17
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Can I raise my joists?
It won't cost you much more than the time you put into it and a few
sheets of board and some insulation. That's what I was thinking/hoping. Thanks again for your help, John |
#18
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Can I raise my joists?
"John Seed" wrote in message
om It won't cost you much more than the time you put into it and a few sheets of board and some insulation. That's what I was thinking/hoping. What is holding the purlins up at the inside ends? You should have posted that. The only reason you have purlins on a 10 ft span is that they are doing something interesting with the dogleg in the roof. -- Posted via Mailgate.ORG Server - http://www.Mailgate.ORG |
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