Converting a loft is considered a simple process by most people. It’s just a matter of building upwards and outwards to take advantage of what’s already there. This is a simplified view of loft conversions, but they are a bit more complicated than single- or double-story extensions.
Roofs are supported by internal support struts within the loft spaces of most UK homes. These horizontal roof beams provide support for the rafters and purlins. It is undoubtedly true that traditional cut and pitch roofs belong to this category. In modern truss rafter roofs, they act like webs of braces.
You can convert your loft into another room by removing beams and rafters to build the new space. Besides the new roof, a loft conversion will also need new supports; why? Most likely, ceiling joists will need to be more adequate for use as floor joists. Should you wish to discuss your joists for loft conversion options with us, we can help you with design and planning. However, there are some loft conversion floor joist regulations.
Loft joists: what are they?
Timber or steel joists support floors and ceilings. For loft conversions, strengthening the floor joists is essential since lofts were not designed for anything more than storage.
As a rule of thumb, joists in loft conversions are arranged parallel to one another for maximum stability. Your loft conversion floor will now support furniture, clothes, fixtures, and fittings. You must keep in mind loft conversion floor joist regulations.
Overselling loft joists for strength
A technique called over-slinging can be used to strengthen your joists. This option is more straightforward since new joists are laid over the existing joists within the loft, assuming enough headroom.
Sideslinging your loft joists
A lack of head height also prevents new joists from being laid on top of old ones during loft conversions. Side slinging is installed between new loft floor joists and older loft floor joists. With loft conversions, head height is of utmost importance, so this option saves space and doesn’t reduce head height.
Using a holder under the new steel beams, new loft joists are installed over the old ones along one side. In most cases, they are secured together with screws and bolts.
The loft conversion floor joist: Things to consider
The local loft joint regulations will be according to the building regulations department will be involved in all aspects of the project to ensure all health and safety regulations are met after the work is completed.
For your loft conversion to be successful, your company must consider the loft joists. In addition, ensuring that there is still enough head height after installing the new joists is also essential.
Building Control will strictly monitor the thickness of the joists to ensure that your loft room is appropriately supported. As soon as the new space is completed, it will be safe and habitable, and it will help the weight of the additional furniture.
It is mandatory to place insulation between the steel joists for strengthening loft conversion floor joists following Building Regulations.
Regulations Regarding Loft Joists
It is essential to discuss loft conversion floor joist regulations with your expert loft conversion company to ensure everything is done safely and structurally sound.
They will likely take the following into account when creating your design based on the regulations:
Size
A 2.89m must be achieved by installing 47 x 145mm joists at 400mm centres. As a result of the 47 x 170mm joists installed, a span of 3.38 meters is possible. It can span up to 3.38m if 47 x 170mm joists are installed at 400mm centres.
It is necessary to span up to 3.87m with 47 x 195mm floor joists at 400mm, 3.33m with 72 x 145mm, 3.89m with 72 x 170mm, and 4.44m with 72 x 195mm. A floor’s structural integrity and compliance with building codes depend on its joists’ size. You can find assistance in this area from a structural engineer.
Wool Insulation
UK law mandates that homeowners insulate against sound with 100mm wool insulation between joists. Depending on the thickness of your existing ceiling, you may need to upgrade it to make it fire-resistant.
In addition, traditional plaster and lath ceilings are fire-resistant for about 20 minutes. According to building regulations, a plasterboard with a thickness of 12.5mm is required to upgrade your roof’s insulation. Using a mesh between and over joists, wool insulation can also be installed between and over them.
Larger Floor Joists
Install new floor joints in your loft conversion must be installed because the existing ceiling joists cannot support your weight and loads. It is important to position these joists between the existing joists in the ceiling. If you are replacing an old floor with a new one, you should choose joists that are larger in diameter.
A new floor joist can be supported if the walls are sufficient. Using steel or timber beams will provide additional support. You should ensure that the steel or timber beams are adequately fire-retardant. With the help of the structural engineer you’ve hired, ensure that the floor joists meet the regulations.
Loft Conservation Expert
We will help you determine what type of floor joists you’ll need for your loft conversion by contacting Powerpillar today. Furthermore, they will take care of all the technical details so you can relax knowing you’re getting a safe, legal, and solid conversion. Start using it as soon as you decide how you will use it. You could build a nursery or an office in your home. However, it is recommended to consider loft conversion floor joist regulations.
