Loft Help

Tappo · Post by **Tappo** » Sat Dec 09, 2023 7:24 pm

Hey everyone,

New poster here!

I have a question.

The two vertical timbers.... Can they be removed and braced at the top? They are not rigid or taught. Infact, they wobble back and too if you push them.

Maybe a silly question, but I don't know

Thanks

moderator2 · Post by **moderator2** » Sat Dec 09, 2023 7:52 pm

Moved to Carpentry.

dewaltdisney · Post by **dewaltdisney** » Sat Dec 09, 2023 7:52 pm

Never mess with roof timber you could cause a weakening of the structure. The geometry of the roof loading is all calculated so best leave it alone. If you are considering using the loft space for anything other than light storage then you need to do it properly with Building Regulations approval. Remember this could come back on you in the future when you come to sell.

DWD

big-all · Post by **big-all** » Sun Dec 10, 2023 12:51 am

as dwd says all timbers have a purpose
no one ever puts random expensive wood up at a wages cost just because they want to waste money
indeed wood thats not "taught" can be because it has a compressive load so taking a heavy load so more susceptible to sideways movement as the load is bellying out with your moving the timbers but not enough to cause failure
can you move the load to another timber i suspect not a good idea otherwise the roofer or carpenter would have provided a more usable area as function compared to cost [ small additional cost over useful area] :dunno:

aeromech3 · Post by **aeromech3** » Sun Dec 10, 2023 1:05 pm

I'm no expert, but it does appear some timbers are older, perhaps remedial work has been done, what Strikes me is there is no rafter ties or ceiling joists visible; unless they are buried under the insulation material and visible binders but they should tie the rafters.
The verticals will help with say a snow load and theoretically could be replaced by collar ties.

Grendel · Post by **Grendel** » Thu Dec 14, 2023 8:29 pm

It looks to me as if those verticals are part of a truss or at least a pair of rafters trussed to support the purlin visible on the left. It's possible they could have been constructed on site ( they look like it to be honest) and the vertical "might " have been a tempoary piece but without a closer physical examination I wouldn't advise removal.

Bob225 · Post by **Bob225** » Sat Dec 16, 2023 12:15 pm

It looks like the ridge has sagged or has spread, and it was reinforced when the roof was redone

someone has cut the timber from the perlin into the centre wall plate what will weaken the roof