Loft conversion on a single brick thickness wall?

[johnnywb]

I've just bought a 1950's ex local authority house, which has single brick thickness walls.

It's been bought from a developer who went bust mid development. They were intending to put a loft conversion in, with RSJs to reinforce the floor joists.

My question is how will these be accommodated in the single skin wall?

The current joists run front to rear in the property, would the steels run the same way?

My concern is that how they will otherwise be accommodated in the single skin party walls.

Thanks

[Simpo Two]

johnnywb said:

The current joists run front to rear in the property, would the steels run the same way?

At right angles I'd suggest, othewise you'll need an RSJ for every joist!

I'm planning a similar thing for my garage, where I want to keep stuff in the loft space but the trusses were never designed to take extra downward force.

[johnnywb]

Simpo Two said:

johnnywb said:

The current joists run front to rear in the property, would the steels run the same way?

At right angles I'd suggest, othewise you'll need an RSJ for every joist!

I'm planning a similar thing for my garage, where I want to keep stuff in the loft space but the trusses were never designed to take extra downward force.

Hmm, that's what i thought. I guess the answer then is going to be to build up a supporting pillar from engineering blocks or similar? Otherwise to go into the party wall a full brick thickness for the RSJ will mean knocking through the otherside!!

[Simpo Two]

I can't advise you on that but there's a device called a padstone - ask an expert.

[BRGV8S]

I'am a Builkding Surveyor, in the past we have designed RSJ'S with plated end connections for bolting to the wall from the clients side. Also used 'fishplate' connections if getting the beams into the loft space is limited. But always use StructuraL Engineers to provide cal's for Building Control.

PS- Don't forget the Party Wall Act applies to any work be carried out on the wall, notice MUST be served on adjoining owners.

[johnnywb]

BRGV8S said:

I'am a Builkding Surveyor, in the past we have designed RSJ'S with plated end connections for bolting to the wall from the clients side. Also used 'fishplate' connections if getting the beams into the loft space is limited. But always use StructuraL Engineers to provide cal's for Building Control.

PS- Don't forget the Party Wall Act applies to any work be carried out on the wall, notice MUST be served on adjoining owners.

Thanks BRG, i'm a commercial surveyor, so am aware of the Party Wall Etc Act and am in the process of serving notice. Before i do so, i was looking to get a detailed idea of what work was going to be required (i.e. how much disruption might the neighbours face).

I'm waiting for a call back from the structural engineers and building inspectors previously involved to confirm what the plan was previously.