I am in the process of repairing a ceiling which has sagged significantly. 2” x 2” ceiling battens are supported by 2.5” x 7” binders at approximately 1m spacing between centres. The binders are set into a gable end wall at one end and sit on the wall plate at the other, giving a total span of 5.5m. I want to replace the offending binders but I would prefer to maintain a max. depth of 7” to interface the ceiling with the remainder of the boarded loft. The building regs state that the max. span of a 3” x 7” SC4 binder under moderate loading is 3.24m. Can anyone advise me whether a composite timber joist constructed of three 2” x 7” laminates with staggered scarf joints with satisfy the building regs? Should such a joist be glued and bolted or would bolted timber connectors be a better approach?