-
Just seen this super useful diagram, thanks so much for knocking it up. Makes understanding a lot easier when inevitably things can get lost in translation. I'll look again with the torch to see if I can see said padstones and if not peel more plaster away.
@tgr @bigshape thanks for explaining this. Do you think you could expect your usual builder to know about these things? If you don't know no worries, you've all be so useful already.
jambon-
In terms of builder knowledge, now you know a little more from here, whoever comes to look at the job don't feed them anything and see what they say / make a judgment.
That's what we did when choosing a builder to refurbish this place - I know little bits (not a building expert) and some guys I just showed around and outlined expectations and they just nodded. Others challenged and said things like "well, we can't do that because X, how about Y? That would solve it and also provide Z"
You'll know if they know their stuff. Or not.
-
You won't be able to see the pad stones as they'll be sat underneath the RSJ. On the right-hand side it looks like there is new gypsum plaster around the end of where a pad stone should be.
I'd chip a bit of that off on the underside of where the RSJ should be. if that makes sense.
I'm no engineer (so ignore what i'm about to say) but the arch doesn't look like it would bear any load, and so padstone or not, the picture technics posted would be how it's loaded.
-
luckily we had a very experienced and competent builder, chosen on the strength of work i'd seen of his on friend's houses, and had a great experience with him. (we're not in london though so not worth giving you his details)
as terlg says, i'd probably pull the plaster off either end of the RSJ to see where it's sitting and what it's sitting on. the wall's going to need re-plastering anyway so you might as well!
-
No Problem.. I'm based in NI, but over here you can get building control to do a retrospective approval.. they will call out and have a look and as long as it's got decent bearing at each end it should be fine.
That RSJ look massively over specced.. An opening that size could be done with a concrete lintel
-
We had an engineer spec the removal of our wall. Originally the builder was going to use the existing bits of wall at either side, but the bricks were on their edge and the wall could be taken apart by hand once the plaster was off.
So they re built the bits at either end. Also had to reinforce the sections under the new piers, with steel at one end. -
My ‘usual’ builder certainly knows about this. He specialises in extensions and the RSJs hold the wall up when he makes a hole.
My builder uses an engineering firm to produce the plans and beams. I am pretty sure the plans have to go to building control but not 100%.
I’m in NI so probably not much use to you though.
Ben689908
terlg
bigshape
Technics100
cjr
TGR
You need the RSJ to have min 100mm bearing at each end.. Can you expose any more of the beam to see it's extents.. It should really be sitting on a padstone at each end.. Shouldn't be any issue straightening the wall up..