loft conversion answers

cyclonebri1

Sounds like they were running from the centre of the rafters down to the spine wall of the bungalow if I have it correct, a picture would paint a thousand words as the song goes.

Problem is that by removing those and building a dwarf support wall, you have transferred the load to the ceiling/floor joists, not good, to be honest as you suggest, replacing them would be a good idea.

RJS86

I find myself agreeing with cyclonebri1 possibly because I am also a structural engineer. The braces are often placed at the ends of the joists above a central load bearing wall, so replacing that with studs sat onto or near the centre span of the rafters could cause issues structurally. If it was failing you would have found out last time we had snow, so unless you noticed your ceiling bowing then I wouldn't worry too much.

Anyway in response to leveller2911 who said

"I wonder if thats how some structural engineers make their money......

By scaremongering/frightening people based on little information."

I think the reason why structural engineers may come across in this manor is because we always have to think worst case. It's no good us designing a roof for sunny windless days or a floor where only one person at any one time will be stood on it. We have to think about worst case all the time to ensure the design is robust and will resist any activity on it (within reason).

leveller2911

RJS86 wrote: »

I find myself agreeing with cyclonebri1 possibly because I am also a structural engineer. The braces are often placed at the ends of the joists above a central load bearing wall, so replacing that with studs sat onto or near the centre span of the rafters could cause issues structurally.


Does the OP mention the the studs being placed onto or near the centre span of the rafters?.

Do we know where the structural walls are? are they central? are there more than 1?.

The fact is none of us know so how can you,I or Cyclone conclude anything without facts.I fully understand roofs are designed for worst case scenarios however without facts none of us should shout "fire".Which is why I suggested the OP took professional advice.

RJS86

leveller2911 wrote: »

Does the OP mention the the studs being placed onto or near the centre span of the rafters?.

Do we know where the structural walls are? are they central? are there more than 1?.

The fact is none of us know so how can you,I or Cyclone conclude anything without facts.I fully understand roofs are designed for worst case scenarios however without facts none of us should shout "fire".Which is why I suggested the OP took professional advice.

I think it's fair to state that the load path has been changed seeing as a diagonal brace has been replaced with a vertical wall and that some consideration for the change in load onto the ceiling joists needs to be given. Nothing scaremongering or shouting fire about that. I think we can agree that IF it gets picked up by the surveyor then professional advice will be the best course of action, although the surveyor should make that recommendation in their report.

To be honest all threads could be stopped with the simple phrase "seek professional advice". I don't see the problem you have with people elaborating beyond that with the use of phrases such as usually and in most cases to explain their stance/opinion. That is after all why the OP posted this on a forum and not contacted professionals in the first instance, to get some opinions.

cyclonebri1

Your last sentence sums it up to be honest.

Opinions


I try to avoid using the word advice if at all possible, we shouldn't be so presumptuous as to give advice based on a few lines of internet chat.

My view is that we give our opinions, the OP sifts through them and if enough coincide with each other it gives a direction to head in, nothing more.

The exception to that is when safety is being compromised, and in that case I have no hesitancy in saying "I advise you not to........etc" :A

homeowner67

Yes, I did only come on here for suggestions really. My partner is prepared for the worst that we will have to redo anything that needs doing so it's not the end of the world for us. We haven't got any potential buyers at the moment anyway and depending on other circumstances we may not even be moving. I would wait for the potential buyer to arrange a survey and find out from there I think.

cyclonebri1

homeowner67 wrote: »

I get too busy to come back for a few days and people make the replies all complicated, and all hell breaks loose! It's a bungalow loft. There were 6 diagonal loft braces in a pitched roof, the tops were joined on horizontals, each side of the roof then the bottoms meeting in the middle and we left 4 in. (can't find a link to a pic) We didn't put in stairs. My partner said if push comes to shove he'll have to put them back in. We didn't pay the builder as he is a friend of ours, likewise the electrician and the plumber, so no money lost really. we have taken away the ladder and put a loft hatch in as that is what we were advised to do for now. If a buyer comes and when they have survey we will find out won't we!

Going back to this, and your last post, if you don't move and you supplied enough teas and beers last time to still have those valuable friends, completing the conversion correctly my not be too expensive a project.
It's usually much easier with a bungalow than a house, you may end up with enough space to avoid the need to move.;)

KennyH1

Hi,

Where is the rooflight located as there are certain points to be taken into account in regards to their location.

Side facing windows to be obscure-glazed; any opening to be 1.7m above the floor.

cyclonebri1

KennyH1 wrote: »

Hi,

Where is the rooflight located as there are certain points to be taken into account in regards to their location.

Side facing windows to be obscure-glazed; any opening to be 1.7m above the floor.

I'm not fully up to speed with current regs but that doesn't ring true it was something like a means of escape window couldn't be more than say 1.7mtr from the floor.

The windows I've fitted with full approval have been much lower than 1.7mtr.;)

KennyH1

cyclonebri1 wrote: »

I'm not fully up to speed with current regs but that doesn't ring true it was something like a means of escape window couldn't be more than say 1.7mtr from the floor.

The windows I've fitted with full approval have been much lower than 1.7mtr.;)

Sorry, for some reaseom my who reply wasn't shown.

Reply is -

You do not normally need to apply for planning permission to re-roof your house or to insert roof lights or skylights as the permitted development rules allow for roof alterations subject to the following limits and conditions:

Any alteration to project no more than 150 millimetres from the existing roof plane.

• No alteration to be higher than the highest part of the roof.
• Side facing windows to be obscure-glazed; any opening to be 1.7m above the floor.
• The permitted development regime for solar panels has different limits on projections and in relation to protected areas.

This is taken from the planning portal.