Seeing The Light Renovating To Create Space And Light

There are numerous ways to create light and space in even the smallest of homes. With the slow-down in the housing market many home-owners are choosing to extend and alter their homes, rather than move to a new property. While the removal of walls and extending properties can seem a daunting prospect, it is often a highly attractive and affordable option, in the current climate. Understanding the structural implications of extending or making changes to existing spaces is essential if you are planning to take this route. Luckily, it is not rocket science!

Do Not Bring The House Down:

There are basically two functions that a wall in your home can have and it may have both. Some walls, particularly internal ones, are simply there to divide space, creating individual rooms within the space. In older houses these rooms will often be relatively small, designed at a time when modern heating systems were not available to heat larger spaces. These walls may also be load bearing walls this is the most important function of a wall, being a structural part of the building itself. A load-bearing wall cannot be removed without first ensuring that it is replaced with a joist which will take the weight above it and continue to support the structure safely.

And the Difference Is?

Often internal walls have little load-bearing function. Tapping a wall will give you a rough indication of whether it is a load-bearing feature. If the wall sounds hollow it is most likely constructed of a wooden frame and plaster work, its main function will be to divide up the space. However these walls may also have some load bearing function, helping to support ceilings. While it may be possible to remove this type of wall, their removal can result in additional strain on joists; this in turn may cause damage to plaster and reduce the overall integrity of the building.

Load bearing walls will be made of brick, stone or concrete slabs. Tapping these will result in a solid sound. The removal of these walls will require an RSJ to replace them. Whatever type of wall you are planning to remove, it is essential that you have professional advice. A structural engineer will be able to advice on the nature of the wall and its function. They will also be able to offer information on the best way to proceed with the work and any safety issues involved. It is always important to contact your Local Authority for the advice of a Building Regulations Officer. For safety reasons there can be strict requirements relating to the removal of walls; the Building Regulations Officer will be able to advise on what regulations you will need to comply with and provide the necessary certificates when the work has been completed.

I Need an RSJ, but what is it!

RSJ simply stands for Rolled Steel Joist. In section they form an I or an H shape depending on which way you view the section! RSJs are used in the construction industry to form steel frameworks for many modern buildings. They are also used to create a load bearing capacity which will allow for the removal of structural walls in buildings. If you are planning on removing a load-bearing wall it will need to be replaced by an RSJ. Your structural engineer should be able to advise on the load the RSJ will need to support. Suppliers and manufacturers provide easy to use tables which will help you to select the correct sized joist for the load.

So Where Exactly Do I Get One?

Established and reputable manufacturers will be able to supply Universal Beams and Universal Columns that conform to recognised European and British standards from their stock supplies. Delivery for these will usually be very prompt, while they should also be able to supply RSJs that are manufactured to specifications for unique projects. With an established manufacturer the delivery time for even specially created RSJs should not be lengthy. Suppliers should also be able to arrange flexible delivery options and provide specialist equipment cranes facilities for example for larger RSJs and for those that are required above ground level.

Ensuring that you have the right advice from a structural engineer, Building Regulations Officer and a reliable supplier will enable you to feel confident that your build or extension can be completed efficiently and safely.