Building regs, joist cutting?

[alanl]

Had to go into an attic today to do a little work.
Anyway, a new boiler was fitted a month ago, with 5 pipes running from one side of the attic to the other. To keep them level, the plumber has cut 5 holes through 2 ceiling joists, right in the middle of their 8 foot span.
The joists are roughly 5 inch by 2 inch.
Clearly, 5x 25mm holes in the middle of them is going to weaken the joist.
I was a little concerned when I saw it, but havent told the householder yet.

From my building regs book, no hole should be put into a joist at any more than 0.4x the length, so holes in the middle are clearly not allowed.
What to do?
Tell the householder, or just leave it?
I reckon an easy way out of it for the plumber is to screw some new length of wood on top of the existing to ensure their integrity.

 

[Geordie Spark]

WTF didn't he just go over the joists??

I was wondering that myself as that's how I would do it.

Maybe there's going to be some floor boarding going in there, but even so it isn't right and in that situation maybe the pipes should have been clipped to the wall??

 

[kingeri]

Whilst on this topic, during a rewire I was pulled up on re-using existing holes in the joists (in cellar) to run my cables. Building control guy wanted me to drill new ones in the correct place. Even though the ones in the 'wrong' place were already there. I tried to point out that drilling more holes would only serve to weaken the joist further, but he wouldn't have it.

 

[Badged01]

Whilst on this topic, during a rewire I was pulled up on re-using existing holes in the joists (in cellar) to run my cables. Building control guy wanted me to drill new ones in the correct place. Even though the ones in the 'wrong' place were already there. I tried to point out that drilling more holes would only serve to weaken the joist further, but he wouldn't have it.

Tell me about it, LABC seem to have the book of what to do but have missed out on the book of common sense!

 

[Geordie Spark]

Whilst on this topic, during a rewire I was pulled up on re-using existing holes in the joists (in cellar) to run my cables. Building control guy wanted me to drill new ones in the correct place. Even though the ones in the 'wrong' place were already there. I tried to point out that drilling more holes would only serve to weaken the joist further, but he wouldn't have it.

You disappoint me you really do !!

Haven't you learned yet that you should NEVER try to argue with Policemen, Lunatics or Women with PMS.

See me after class !!

 

[Geordie Spark]

Tell me about it, LABC seem to have the book of what to do but have missed out on the book of common sense!

That is a banned publication nowadays, but I beleive it can be obtained from from under the counter of a "certain type" of bookstore for an extortionate price.

 

[ahtyrrell]

Drilling attic joists may not be such a problem depending on what there doing, if there part of trusses then that's a definite no no
If there joists with very little weight on them then that's no going to cause much of a problem

 

[Geordie Spark]

Drilling attic joists may not be such a problem depending on what there doing, if there part of trusses then that's a definite no no
If there joists with very little weight on them then that's no going to cause much of a problem

Have you read what (if anything) the Building Regs. say abou it?

NOT being "funny" with you - it's just that there's something rattling around in the back of my mind that says it isn't permitted and I don't have a copy of said regs.

 

[SPARTYKUS]

Me too Geordie. - pretty sure its verboten. For obvious reasons!

and repairing such abominations I believe involves some proper boltage with nuttage and hefty bits of wood. Not some battenning and a few screws

 

[Guitarist]

ah is correct. Joists can be notched/drilled (within limitations), but trusses shouldn't be touched.

 

[SPARTYKUS]

Whilst on this topic, during a rewire I was pulled up on re-using existing holes in the joists (in cellar) to run my cables. Building control guy wanted me to drill new ones in the correct place. Even though the ones in the 'wrong' place were already there. I tried to point out that drilling more holes would only serve to weaken the joist further, but he wouldn't have it.

Muppets!

He should have self-terminated at that point. How can anyone be so stupid.

 

[Geordie Spark]

Me too Geordie. - pretty sure its verboten. For obvious reasons!

and repairing such abominations I believe involves some proper boltage with nuttage and hefty bits of wood. Not some battenning and a few screws

Thank you.

The repair method I was told involves steel plates - instead of your hefty bits of wood - and nuts, washers & bolts ( or lengths of studding & nuts & washers )

 

[Silly Sausage]

Drilling attic joists may not be such a problem depending on what there doing, if there part of trusses then that's a definite no no
If there joists with very little weight on them then that's no going to cause much of a problem

And what happens when the householder goes hoofing around his attic...a split ceiling at least.
As for the LABC comments/posts from kingeri etc......what is it with local govt and their employees, everything by the book, busy bodying, PCness, the list is endless. I fooking hate them! Bunch of clueless idiots who've got the 'Gab' that they can con people to vote them in.

More strong cider for me!

 

[Guitarist]

And what happens when the householder goes hoofing around his attic...a split ceiling at least.
As for the LABC comments/posts from kingeri etc......what is it with local govt and their employees, everything by the book, busy bodying, PCness, the list is endless. I fooking hate them! Bunch of clueless idiots who've got the 'Gab' that they can con people to vote them in.

More strong cider for me!

The same thing that would happen by walking around upstairs with floor joists notched or drilled. That's why limitations are placed on any type of joist, loft of floor. Trusses are the "no-no". Last time saying it.

 

[Geordie Spark]

The same thing that would happen by walking around upstairs with floor joists notched or drilled. That's why limitations are placed on any type of joist, loft of floor. Trusses are the "no-no". Last time saying it.

Thank you.

I stand erected.

 

[SPARTYKUS]

The same thing that would happen by walking around upstairs with floor joists notched or drilled. That's why limitations are placed on any type of joist, loft of floor. Trusses are the "no-no". Last time saying it.

I could back peddle, and say "I meant trusses".