Cutting roof supports?

[rocker]

Anyone out there of a structural persuasion? Basically I have a loft I've boarded, the hatch to which is in an 'extended' part of the house (from what I can determine), and to get into the main area of the loft you have to squeeze through some beams or rafters which follow the line of the original roof, i.e. from the extended area, they lean away at a 45 ish degree angle into the main area. There are five or six of them, spaced about a foot apart.

Now then, I'd like to be able to get in and out of the main area without having to squeeze through the gap. Also, I would like to put a drum kit in that area, but there is no way I can squeeze in the larger drums. SO does anyone know if I can add two diagonal supports to the top part of this beam, join them to the adjacent beams to give support, then cut away the bottom section of the beam, thus providing easy access? Or is this just lunacy?

Any help or advice would be appreciated muchly!

 

[rocker]

Surely someone knows something!

 

[bodders22]

Can you post a picture. There will be way you can do it but need to see it before advising as I dont want to be responsible for your roof collapsing!

 

[rocker]

Ha ha good point! Though I'm not the sue-ing type so if anyone wants to propose any ideas let me know. I'm not at the house today I'll try and get some pics up tomorrow....

 

[Guest123]

Move.....

 

[rocker]

I am, that's the problem! Why can't all houses have drum-friendly attics, like the one here!?

 

[telectrix]

i would cut a new hatch in the ceiling under the main attic. no structural alterations involved and no roof ending up on the bed.

 

[bodders22]

Agreed telectrix, but rocker may be able just to trim the original roof rafters as you would if doing a new loft hatch but without the mess.

 

[telectrix]

or he could go on a diet.

 

[SirKit Breaker]

Whoaaaaaaa Rocker, put the saw away mate.

Dont cut out these bits of wood, they stablise the roof trusses and support the ceilings below. If you need to remove them then you will need to double up on the trusses, this is not easy if you aren't a joiner. But you must get planning approval due to structural problems. I only know this cos i had a loft conversion done and they took these bits of wood out.

Cheers.........Howard

 

[bodders22]

Definatley need a picture to clarify what the wood is supporting. It maybe as sirkit breaker says, be supporting the roof and ceiling below, or as the house has been extended not supporting alot. I used to work in the loft conversion business so could probably advise from a clear picture whether specialist help is required or not.

 

[topquark]

They're most likely only ceiling joists but it will depend on whether the roof trusses are pre-fabbed or whether it's a cut roof as to what's the best approach. As Tel has suggested you may well be better off just cutting a new loft hatch for access. That may well be more convenient for a loft ladder as well. As suggested piccies are the best option.

 

[1shortcircuit]

Rocker, Now isn't this normally where if it was an Electrical question we would say "Pick up the phone and call in a qualified person"??? Roofs can KILL LMAO

Good luck, I'm just playing as I saw the opportunity to add a little humour

 

[telectrix]

if it's roof trusses, they've been designed to the absolute thinnest, crappiest timber they could get away with to support the roof. i wouldn't even be happy drilling a 1/2 hole through for a 1.5mm lighting cable.

 

[Des 56]

What sort of tile is the roof supporting ? concrete or slate maybe
If the supports are load bearing then that would be an important consideration before chopping anything out