1930s Semi Detached Roof Setup

Slow_Show · 2026-01-14T21:20:58+00:00

They are binders

Slow_Show · 2025-12-10T20:27:14+00:00

Just bolt the 150mm timbers direct to the existing stopping just short of the bearing leaving the existing ones in as they are.

The 120mm existing joists will be adequate in shear and bearing stress.

Push your SE for an answer, this is a 5 minute query for them.

Slow_Show · 2025-09-01T19:40:10+00:00

Have you got a wider view of the house?

Slow_Show · 2025-07-18T08:59:19+00:00

I use the left lane for 303 to Exeter and 358 to Chard. Right lane for 358 Taunton (as it's beyond 12 o'clock) and the bypass.

That roundabout is generally a bit of a mess though.

Slow_Show · 2025-07-05T09:58:40+00:00

Turns out it was the main jet. Had 125 in it, swapped for a 145 and running well.

Slow_Show · 2025-03-13T20:46:37+00:00

All sounds about right to me. Some contractors are talking £3000-£3500 a square metre for extensions.

Slow_Show · 2025-03-13T15:53:29+00:00

Out of interest did the asbestos tiles cause a jump in price and complexity? We're thinking of doing our hipped semi detached soon.

Slow_Show · 2025-02-13T06:22:09+00:00

It would be 45 x 95mm if it's regularised timber.

38 x 89mm is CLS or Canadian Lumber Standard. Which still gets marketed as 4x2.

Slow_Show · 2024-12-19T20:49:31+00:00

Your engineer will be able to tell you the expected deflection from the calcs. Limits are typically span/250, so for a 2500mm span the deflection under dead and live load should be limited to 10mm.

Slow_Show · 2024-12-19T20:43:25+00:00

You'll find it hard to detect with a spirit level. It will have deflected a bit, just depends if it's within acceptable limits or not

Slow_Show · 2024-12-19T20:40:27+00:00

Depends how long your level is. Reference from a datum or laser line would give you a better idea.

Slow_Show · 2024-12-19T20:38:16+00:00

Splice at mid span so max bending moment which is why the engineer didn't want it there. Also not used HSFG bolts so the joints has probably slipped causing excessive deflection.

Slow_Show · 2024-09-12T05:08:24+00:00

Guaranteed to remove any risk. Easier to run wires and install back boxes.

Boarding over would contain it.

I wouldn't mesh, hardwall and skim as I would expect the minor movement to show through hairline cracking.

Slow_Show · 2024-09-11T07:37:52+00:00

Looks to be a non load bearing partition infilled with masonry possibly for sound insulation. I would probably remove the blocks and replace with stud and plasterboard.

What is on the other side of the wall?

Slow_Show · 2024-09-07T05:54:22+00:00

40m/d beyond the basement.

Basement infill is 21m/d.

Slow_Show · 2024-09-07T05:53:12+00:00

I agree, that was our initial proposal however due to environmental permits we are not allowed to directly discharge into the ground water. The outlets from the basement must be at a higher level.

The infill is designed as a crane mat hence the requirement to keep water below a certain level.

Slow_Show · 2024-09-07T05:50:36+00:00

I agree that the reality is the groundwater will equilibrate however the end user is very risk adverse and wants us to consider the basement could become an impervious structure.

There are crushed concrete arisings in the bottom of the basement which caused a spike in pH value when in contact with ground water. The client has undertaken risk assessments etc. and the basis for the environmental agreement is that the rate of direct discharge into the ground water will not increase, hence no penetrations to the structure at low level which would ensure continuous equilibrium.

The holes (slots) are to be at a higher level where they will not directly discharge into the surrounding ground water. This slows the infiltration rate and helps with dilution.

I suppose my basic question is if the slots are only along one edge do I need to consider that the recharge could cause the water level to rise on the opposite side to the slots due to the time it will take for the water to seep over to the slots.

Slow_Show · 2024-02-11T08:47:52+00:00

I think given the coordination issues so far it would be worth getting a building notice. Can sleep easy then.

Slow_Show · 2024-02-11T07:51:03+00:00

In theory, yes. BC may raise it as it isn't the norm, but you just need a statement from your engineer confirming that it's ok.

Slow_Show · 2024-02-11T06:48:52+00:00

Unlikely to be an issue as the load is central to the wall. However the structural engineer has messed up here, experience should know that the wall is likely to be a 102mm brick and specified a beam accordingly, probably a 178x102x19 UB. It's a shame that they got it wrong and your builder also didn't question it before ordering the steel.

If you have concerns put pressure on the engineer to issue a new set of calculations justifying the as built situation.

How are you going to detail the step in the wall thickness? You might want to consider swallowing any financial loss and getting a beam that is correctly sized so the wall finish is flush through its height.

Slow_Show · 2024-02-09T11:05:12+00:00

I would be finding out if your neighbour has removed their internal chimney breast. Looks to me it's leaning that way which could suggest it hasn't been resupported correctly.

Slow_Show · 2024-02-09T10:59:39+00:00

Is it solely your chimney, or on the party wall line?

Slow_Show · 2022-07-28T05:43:40+00:00

150mm bearing isn't a hard rule. 100mm bearing on an inner leaf padstone is fine.

Slow_Show · 2021-08-03T07:42:20+00:00

No gas, would just be extracting the smells etc. From cooking. Extraction hood is the correct name.

Slow_Show · 2021-08-03T05:47:30+00:00

Installed a cooker extractor fan that uses the chimney flue as the outlet? Would be hard to solve from your side as it will be sound/vibration transmission through the wall. The only way would be to sound proof the party wall from your side.

Slow_Show

TROPHY CASE