Purlin possibly breaking

[EnglishmanSpark]

Live in a small block of 4 flats, 2 on each level, and while pottering about in the communal loft today (above the hallway), I noticed that the purlin on one side had a join in it, best way I can describe it is like two L shapes, end to end, and that the bottom edge was coming away, probably a 5-7mm gap at moment. Now is this dangerous, structurally? Or is it nothing to worry about?

Now the wall is about 2m away to the right, the other wall is about 10 m to the left.

Untitled

• EnglishmanSpark
• 15 Nov 2014
• 1

Untitled

• EnglishmanSpark
• 15 Nov 2014
• 1

Untitled

• EnglishmanSpark
• 15 Nov 2014
• 1

Untitled

• EnglishmanSpark
• 15 Nov 2014
• 1

Untitled

• EnglishmanSpark
• 15 Nov 2014
• 1

 

[catlad]

I can see one wall in your picture but are you telling me that the next support for that purlin is 8 mts to the left?

 

[EnglishmanSpark]

There are the little diagonal supports going up to the purlin but the actual base into the wall is 7-8m away yes, I would assume that was standar for a roof with a brick edging to have a long purlin on each slope going into the side walls?

I'm wondering more about whether the fact that it "looks to be pulling apart" near the middle is an issue?

 

[mattysupra]

I would defo report it to who ever maintains the building.

 

[tony1851]

It depends on how far away the next support is from the wall, and also if the beam is continuous over several supports to the left.

Might survive if the roof covering is light (thin slate?). But a after heavy snowfall.............?

Certainly not an ideal way to connect a large timber in that situation, but then things often work in practice, even though you can't prove it by figures.

 

[EnglishmanSpark]

Ill report it tomorrow, better to get it checked by a structural surveyor than leave it.

 

[AronSearle]

Bit of a poor lapped joint, not very good to have a knot in that postion though technically it is likely OK, and I would have liked to have seen some screwed connections tying up the joint, it appears to be loose.

I wouldnt be too worried as it has obviously worked for awhile, but I wouldnt be suprised if on paper an engineer/surveyor condems it.

Should be easy and cheap to reinforce/repair.