Loft conversion: What about the roof joists?

If you’ve decided that your loft is simply wasted space and want to start making the most from it, you may have given serious consideration to a loft conversion. With a loft conversion you can add a wealth of space to your home and convert the space into whatever your home needs.

If you’ve chosen to go down this route then your first step is to find out if you need planning permission. Always speak to your local council to be sure and ensure not to break the law. There are hefty fines and punishments in place for those who do.

Now, what’ll you’ll need to do is evaluate the attic space and joists that are already fixed. Are these going to be strong enough to support whatever weight is in your loft once the conversion has been completed? Think about it carefully: You may have a sofa, bed or even gym equipment up there.

Fortunately it can be a relatively simple job to reinforce the existing joists, but first it’s worth removing all the boards and insulation so you can see all around.

An expert will then be in place to carry out a thorough inspection. If the joists are spaced incorrectly then they’ll need to be altered so weight can be distributed evenly. The chances are reinforcements or amendments will need to be carried out because they weren’t originally designed for weight bearing.

If the joists are spaced 18 to 24 inches apart (and this can be typical in older homes), then extra joists will be needed to fit between.

It’s not just the flooring which needs to be examined either and you’ll also need to assess the integrity of exterior walls to see if they’re in a good enough condition to carry extra weight such as storage.

Of course, for both this and your loft’s flooring it’s best to bring in a professional who has been working in the industry for many years. They’ll assess the situation and provide the best possible resolution if there are any structural deficiencies.

Tom Crosswell

I have been managing online projects since 1999 and I'm a experienced marketeer, who is well versed in international brand management, online business strategy and developing long term relationships. Through my academic and professional background I am a specialist in generating online loyalty towards brands. My experience has taught me that ultimately business is about relationships and people. For more information see my Google+ page.