Rafters & binders.

[Ken]

Can anyone advise if this is do-able/worth calling in a structural engineer for/or is it a complete no-no?

I have a close coupled hipped roof of conventional rafter/joist/binder design which I would like to convert (and maximise) the storage space in. My Rafters are 125x47 C16 timber and ceiling joists are 177x47 C16 timber. In one direction the rafters are tied to the joists - at right angles to that there are 3 binders (ties) sitting on top of the joists which are 125x47. WHat I would like to do is to tie the rafters (ie the ones at 90 degrees to the joists) with Galvanised steel OR 47x47 timber and remove the wood binders/ties to free up some headroom. Is this common practice? can anyone recommend any sizes/products/supplies/tables of sizes etc?

thanks

Ken

[N. Thornton]

Fwom:Ken ( [e-mail])

rafter/joist/binder

right

joists

I believe the usual thing is to replace the binder with a series of noggins, but I couldnt possibly say if this will be ok in your house! And I cant honestly see 2x2 being a good replacement for 5x2.

Why cant people give wood sizes in sensible measurements?

NT