How To Strengthen Roof Trusses For Loft Conversion

Even though townhouse loft conversions have become extremely popular in the last couple of years the process of transforming a common truss into an attic truss isn t as easy as it may sound.

How to strengthen roof trusses for loft conversion.

Removal and rebuild of roof. Often loft conversion projects can end up being a disappointment as on completion the owner finds out that roof height is very limited and as a result the space ends up being rather pokey. Remove the existing roof structure and replace it with a larger one. Looking back i was very lucky in that my roof had an unusually high 47 degree pitch and so there was lots of head room.

So in theory you do not need to seek planning permission for most loft conversions. Homes built after the 1960s may require structural support because builders started using roof trusses instead of old style timber framed roofs. This process involves the installation and use of steel beams. In addition the design means the trusses occupy majority of the space within the loft therefore the whole structure will need strengthening if you decide to convert your loft.

The conversion from a trussed roof to a trussless roof simply involves the redistribution of the roofs weight from the trusses to beams running from gable to gable. Truss rafters are arguably one of the biggest perceived hurdles when it comes to loft conversions. To make the loft conversion work in a house with a roof truss some parts of the truss need removing hence the requirement for additional structural support. Room in roof trusses can be craned into place to form the shell of a ready made new loft room with the insulation placed above the rafters for maximum thermal efficiency.

Walthamstow homes which were built after 1960 might well have roofs supported by truss rafters but they shouldn t put you off of converting your loft space. According to the nationwide building society adding a loft conversion to your home can increase the value of an average property by more than 54 000. Planning permissions and loft conversions. With energy efficiency standards being increased loft conversion insulation is more difficult to install than it once was.

With the help of an experienced loft conversion company truss rafters are no obstacle. However there are strict limitations that you must follow.