Advanced DIY tip - RSJ moving

--Tony--

Don't panic I'm not risking my house falling down, I'm testing the water and will get a builder to do it if its OK.

At the moment I have a 3 meter RSJ (9x4) where a hall wall was taken down and I hate it as its under the existing joists and although its boxed in it looks horrible having this beam in the lounge.

Here's the question, Can I acro the ceiling either side of the RSJ, take the ceiling down, cut through the joists, raise the RSJ into the gap created, brick the walls either end to the new height and hang the existing joists from the steel with joist hangers?

Result would be a hidden RSJ and flush ceiling.

Hope that makes sense?

Thanks Tony

tawnyowls

You probably can. When I had my kitchen done, we knocked a chimney breast so that it was flat to the wall, and it obviously needed an RSJ. The builder did exactly as you describe - he knocked a hole in the ceiling, hoisted the RSJ up into the gap and laid it across the walls (after knocking the necessary bricks out), then just replastered the ceiling and the wall; result, one totally flat wall and flush ceiling.

You really need to get a builder in, and you might need a structural engineer's report too (in fact, best to get that to save problems selling later).

cargo

I take it your RSJ is running across all your joists.
In theory sounds possible but tricky.
What type of hangers fix to RSJ?
If ceiling was constructed at same time the joist ends would have been notched out to accomodate the edge of beam.
Would'nt you have to cut the joists to short to get the RSJ in situ?
As you can see I am no expert just thinking aloud.

good look

irnbru_2

tawnyowls wrote:

You really need to get a builder in, and you might need a structural engineer's report too (in fact, best to get that to save problems selling later).

I'm about to undertake something similar - though in this case the RSJ wasn't necessary (builders from hell).

An architect should be able to advise you and get your plans sorted.

The modification is a job for a builder.

--Tony--

The Rsj is about 3 meters and the joists run over it as there was a supporting wall there before which was removed a long time ago.

bcoman

Silly question but is the floor deep enough to accomodate the rsj depth? If it is then I would either a)get it drilled in-situ to accomodate timber infils to each side and bolt all the way through. That would give you (your builder ) a good fixing for the joist hangers. If not b) a pair of steel channels back to back with spacers might mean chopping less joist out. Check your local directory for a structural engineer to be on the safe side.

tomstickland

Yes you can do that, the plan sounds feasible to me based on your description.
Obviouslly you have to decide whether it really is viable.

I've done structural work myself using agri props and it's not rocket science, though it is your problem if anything goes wrong.

plumb1_2

bcoman wrote:

Silly question but is the floor deep enough to accomodate the rsj depth?

Not a silly ?, That will be the main factor, if the depth is ok then all you need to do is fix timer inside the H section so it is flush, either bolt or fix with nails(hilti gun)
Support the ceilings , the cut back the floor joists, raise the rsj with a Genie lift( hire from HSS), and support both ends with concrete pads or enginnering bricks, and pack it up with slate.Should be a sraight forword job.

irnbru_2

irnbru wrote:

I'm about to undertake something similar - though in this case the RSJ wasn't necessary (builders from hell).

Have been advised it's necessary :mad:

So looks like I'll be getting the quotes to do the same as the OP.