I currently have a single story extension to my house that is part of the original building which is over 100 years old. This is now used as a kitchen and the back quarter is of single brick construction. A previous owner has removed part of the wall between the two parts and put an rsj in place. Unfortunately the beam is only about about half the width of the room.
I intend to build a cavity wall internally to the single skinned part and would also like to put a larger beam across so that I can a nice rectangular room in which to fit a new kitchen.
Existing
xxxxxxxxxxxx x x Flat roof x x xxx------xxx location of old beam xx xx xx xx xx xx sloping tiled roof xxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxx
Planned
xxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxx xx xx xx--------xx location of new beam xx xx xx xx xx xx xxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxx
I have been advised by a builder that as the building is single story and the beam is only supporting a roof above that there is no need for an rsj, but instead a flitch beam could be used, which could be cheaper and easier to install. I would welcome any advice from the group on making and installing a beam, as well as suggestions on where to buy the steel, bolts etc. I want to get some sort of comparitive costs before taking this further.
Thanks Tim