Joining ceiling joists

[andy.budgell]

I currently have a purlin which is sitting across a join in the ceiling joists, the width of my loft.

The purlin happens to also be above the partition wall below.

Simple question. Can I remove this purlin if I re-inforce the joins with bolts?

I only have 6ft 2in of height at the ridge, so I cannot do much with the loft apart from board it, velux it, insulate it etc.

 

[Deluks]

If a bolt will do the job of the purlin why didn't they use bolts in the original construction?

If you remove the purlin you may die.

You will come to realise that this is a really dumb thing to do.

 

[andy.budgell]

Solutions would be nice.

Anyway, I doubt I'd die as underneath there is a supporting wall running nearly the length of the purlin so the ceiling joists cant go anywhere anyway....

I understand perfectly why it is there. I understand it is necessary when the ceiling joists do not span the entire roof.

 

[noseall]

sounds like a ceiling binder to me. these are normally fixed at 1/2 span, 1/3 span, 1/4 span, etc, to the roof ceiling joists.

if, as you say, there is a wall* directly below, then i guess the ceiling binder would become redundant, should you board the space directly above it.

*provided the partition wall is substantial and not 'paramount walling' or 'stramit' etc.

 

[andy.budgell]

Yes thats it a ceiling binder.

The partition wall is substantial. Unfortunately is doesnt span the entire binder if you know what I mean. Which is added complication.

The rest of the binder sits across the ceiling joists above the stairs and landing. Actually, thats why its there. Sh*t!

Thanks for the info noseall.

Tricky one!

 

[noseall]

fit a concrete lintel, or timber lintel under the unsupported joists and sit it on the stair well walls?