Whether you are in the process of constructing your loft conversion or are at the start of the planning process, the structural integrity of the build is one of the most critical factors for ensuring safety and compliance with all building and planning regulations. Most of the time, loft spaces are not built to withstand the weight of a new room, and the existing walls are not strong enough to handle an increased load. Because of this, you may need to provide stability by adding additional structures such as beams, which are used in loft conversions to support the walls and ensure that they can withstand the pressure of the additional living space. RSJs, or rolled steel joint beams are the most popular type of support used for loft conversions.
Do you need an RSJ for a loft conversion?
- 10th June 2021
- Posted by: Sebastian Grayson
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What Are RSJs?
RSJs or rolled steel joints are beams that are typically made from structural steel. They may also be made from aluminium or have additional metals. They can be used to reinforce the internal walls and ensure that they are strong enough to handle the loft conversion. Since they can support a considerable amount of weight and offer more stability than alternative options, they are a very popular choice. RSJs have a H or I shaped cross-section with a horizontal section that is referred to as the flanges and the vertical section referred to as the web.
Why Do I Need an RSJ?
If you are thinking of having a loft conversion in your home, you might need an RSJ to ensure the structural integrity of your new room. In most cases, the loft space where your conversion will be constructed will not have load-bearing walls that are strong enough to support the new structure. And when you are investing your money into creating a new room in your home, it’s important to know that it is structurally sound. RSJs are able to bear the extra weight of the converted loft space and are a necessity for most loft conversions.
How Do I Get an RSJ?
If your loft is not stable enough to support the extra weight of the loft conversion on its own, an RSJ will be needed to provide additional stability and make sure that your loft conversion is structurally sound. An RSJ will be added before the loft conversion is built as a standard part of the conversion process. Since loft conversions do not come cheap, an RSJ is the best option for getting the highest quality on a budget when stabilising your loft space since steel is a mass-produced material making it more cost-effective to purchase compared to timber beans for your loft. In addition, steel beams will often last for longer and are easier to maintain.
Why Do Some Loft Conversions Need RSJ?
While some lofts may have been built with the additional support needed for an extra room, this is mostly not the case. In the majority of cases, the loft space is simply not strong enough on its own to bear the load of an additional bathroom, bedroom, home office, or storage space that you want to create in this area of your home. Subsequently, without an RSJ your loft could be at a very high risk of collapsing and other serious damage occurring in your home. If your current loft walls are not load-bearing, an RSJ will be added to ensure the structural integrity of your new room and ensure that building regulations are met.
RSJs are steel beams that are added to loft conversions in order to ensure structural integrity and provide additional support for the extra living space. Get in touch with us today to find out more about RSJs and if your loft will need one.
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