Raising attic roof beams

[Winging-It]

I want to use the attic space above a bedroom that’s currently untouched. I’d like to floor board it and use it to store clothes. My wife and daughters like to put summer/winter clothes up and then change over their wardrobe seasonally.

I’m fed up doing this for them so want to create an area they can get access to.

To make this accessible, I’d like to remove or raise the cross beams that currently span between my roof rafters.

The picture is deceiving as there is about 700mm from the joist to the beam.

I’d then cut a hatch and add an access ladder.

is this possible?

 

[jj4091]

I want to use the attic space above a bedroom that’s currently untouched.

is this possible?

Not that simple, you would need astructural engineer to advise you.

 

[Koolpc]

I agree. You cant just cut and move those. You need an SE to advise and calculate for you.

 

[noseall]

I want to use the attic space above a bedroom that’s currently untouched. I’d like to floor board it and use it to store clothes. My wife and daughters like to put summer/winter clothes up and then change over their wardrobe seasonally.

I’m fed up doing this for them so want to create an area they can get access to.

To make this accessible, I’d like to remove or raise the cross beams that currently span between my roof rafters.
View attachment 357261

The picture is deceiving as there is about 700mm from the joist to the beam.

I’d then cut a hatch and add an access ladder.

is this possible?

Do the ceiling joists run opposite to the roof rafters?

 

[bernardgreen]

The cross beams prevent the lower ends of the rafters from spreading outwards and damaging the walls they are resting on.

If the beams are removed then the horizon force is taken by the top of the wall which may not be strong enough to prevent the rafters spreading and part of the roof collapsing,

 

[^woody^]

That looks like a collared roof, where the collars are stopping the rafters from spreading and bending. But it also looks like the ceiling joists are spanning the same way so they may be doing part of that job.

Anyway, you need someone qualified to assess it and see what can be done, as there may be options.