Useful tips

Can you have a loft conversion with a trussed roof?

Can you have a loft conversion with a trussed roof?

The key to converting a loft with a trussed roof is to remove the beams while maintaining triangular support. This is achieved by inserting steel or timber beams across the length of the floor to create new floor joists and attaching them to the roof slopes.

Can you do a loft conversion on a pitched roof?

Roof pitch Ideally, it should have a pitch of an deal 30 degrees. A lower pitch will mean lower head height in the centre of the loft space, while a higher pitch will provide a larger roof space. In the UK, most roofs are between 25-35 degrees, so this shouldn’t be an issue.

What is the minimum ceiling height for a loft conversion?

1. DOES MY LOFT HAVE ENOUGH HEADROOM TO BE CONVERTED? Most lofts can be converted but what is crucial is that there is enough achievable headroom. Ideally you need a minimum of 2.3m (7 feet 6 inches) to start with from the existing ceiling joists to the apex of the loft.

What is the difference between a dormer and a mansard?

The only difference with a mansard is that the slope across the face of the mansard will make the construction look softer from the outside. It will, however, sacrifice some head height compared to a dormer that is built vertical off of the back wall.

How do you strengthen ceiling joists in a loft conversion?

If the attic joists are not adequate, one way to strengthen the floor for live loads is to sister the old joists. Sistering is the process of adding a new joist next to each existing joist. In the case of 2 x 6 joists, you can pair them up with additional 2 x 6 joists by nailing them together, side by side.

How tall should a ceiling be for a loft?

Ceiling Height Be sure to measure how high your ceilings are before considering bunk or loft beds. It is essential to have 33 to 36 inches of space between the top of the mattress and your ceiling, which means your ceiling should be about 100 inches high, four inches more than a traditional 8-foot ceiling.

What can I do with a low pitch loft?

These are the main types of loft conversions available to you if you have a low roof pitch: a dormer -box structure is added to the roof, where the walls are at a 90° angle to the floor. This can be a great way to add headroom. the hip of a sloping roof is turned into a gable end and the ridge is extended, creating space for a loft conversion.

Can a loft conversion have a low ceiling?

Raising the roof is a common way of creating extra ceiling height within a loft conversion. If you suspect you’ll have an issue with a loft conversion low ceiling, you will usually require planning permission if your specialists suggest raising the roof. This is because the roof structure and shape will be altered.

Are there any problems with a low pitch roof?

Pitched roofing consultant John Mercer discusses a recent project he was called out to involving several leaks on an extension with a low pitch roof – an issue he says he comes across regularly in his role – and explains why this was happening and how to rectify the problems…

What’s the minimum height for a loft conversion?

Under Building Regulations, a loft conversion has a minimum ceiling height requirement of 2.2 metres. A loft conversion low ceiling can therefore be a problem. However, if your proposed loft conversion space is less than 2.2 metres, as measured from the floor to the top of the ceiling joists, fear not as there are ways around this problem.