Does My Loft Conversion Need Steel Beams
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- 02-09-2022
Does my loft conversions need steel beams? If you are planning a loft conversion, you will need to know if you require steel beams as part of the construction. Find out if you need to consider steel beams.
Do All Loft Conversions Need Steel Beams?
Suppose you are considering having a loft conversion in your home, or you are already in the early planning stages of a loft conversion. In that case, you need to make a decision as soon as possible is how you will ensure that the area is structurally sound.
This decision needs to be made because, in the majority of cases, the space being converted into a loft will not have internal load-bearing walls that are capable of supporting the new expansion and structure. If you are investing your hard-earned money into a structure that you want to be modern and luxurious, then you definitely want to know that it is structurally sound.
This is exactly why beams are so important. Once they have been installed, they will give your home the ability to handle the additional weight that the new space will bring. They are an absolute necessity for all loft conversions. Although, it is not quite as simple as just placing beams within the walls.
You will need to make decisions on which beams you want to have installed, essentially which one is perfect for your specific bespoke construction. Steel beams are the most popular type of beam used in loft conversions, but if you do some research and look a little further into the subject, you will find that they are not the only option.
Due to various factors such as budget, style, build size, and building regulations, some choose to use an alternative material when working on their loft conversion.
The beam type that is perfect for your own loft conversion is dependent on various different factors, but ensuring that you make the right choice is essential to the structure's quality and safety.
The absolute top priority for anyone who is taking part in a loft conversion is the structural integrity of the conversion. If the planned loft conversion is not structurally sound, then it will not meet basic building regulations and will be an illegal conversion.
Due to the fact that most internal walls in homes are not strong enough to withstand the weight of a whole new living space, bringing in structural beams is usually needed. Any trained and experienced loft conversion specialist will be able to speak to you about the best structural choices to make for your own home.
The most common type of structural support for this type of work is a steel beam. This is because steel beams are much stronger than most alternatives, and also allow for more flex. This makes them absolutely perfect for spanning long distances, such as the space between two walls.
Steel beams are a great choice for both large and small spaces. Timber beams would be the second most common choice for structural support in loft conversions. Although, timber does come with some issues. It is not as strong as steel, and this means it is only really usable in smaller-scale projects.
During all loft conversions, the client will always be aiming for one thing, keeping down the cost as much as possible while still ending up with their desired final product. A loft conversion can be a fantastic addition to a home, as it adds not only a new living space but will increase the property's value as well.
Unfortunately, though, this does come at a large cost. The average loft conversion, all in all, will cost around £20,000. That is a lot of money. Due to this, there are many areas where people look to cut down costs. Steel is a mass-produced material, which means that it is actually much more cost-effective than just purchasing timber beams.
This makes steel beams a great option for people who want the highest quality possible while still having a very tight budget. Steel beams also have a much longer lifespan than timber beams, as well as less aftercare once they have been installed. This means that steel beams overall are the best choice when looking at investments.
Durability is a major factor when deciding which beam to have installed in a loft conversion. This applies to both the loft conversion planner and the client having their home converted. The length of time your loft conversion beams last will be determined by their level of aftercare that is required.
Although, steel and timber beams are both of ideal durability for all loft conversions.
Installation
Steel beams are extremely popular because they have easily be broken down into much smaller sections and then put back together by using splice plates when they are in situ. This doesn't just reduce the amount of disruption within your home, but it will also bring down the amount of time it takes for the whole installation of the beams to take place.
When reconnecting the broken-down beams, specially designed splice plates are used to make the reconnections easy in a smaller loft space. They also ensure that the beam's important strength characteristics have not been compromised.
If you decide to go with timber beams for your loft conversion, then they will need to be kept whole during the entire installation process. If the timber beams are cut down, then they cannot be put back together with the same level of load-bearing strength as they had originally, in the same way that steel can.
Due to this, most of the time, timber beams are only used when it is absolutely necessary. For example, when the conversion needs to be in keeping with a pre-existing style, or for smaller easy-access projects.
Are you looking for RSJ steel beam suppliers in London, Kent, Essex and the surrounding areas? Follow the link below to discuss your project.