We have a 30ft x 10ft roof terrace on top of our car port. It was fenced around by the previous owners, who added French doors for access from a bedroom. We are wary of using the terrace to its greatest potential (furniture, potted plants etc) as we do not know how much weight it can bear. It is supported by three sturdy brick pillars along one long side. The other side is somehow attached to the house. Underneath roof is boarded with pvc panels so we don’t know how it is constructed. Who would be the right expert to contact re load bearing and whether it needs strengthening?
Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?
Hey Mrs C,
The best thing would be to remove any guessing and ask the previous owners for any structural drawings or the builder information that did the job.
A quick call can help you give the ease of mind to fully enjoy the terrace.
Hope this helps,
Best of luck
Plan Design and build
Answered28 November 2020
4
Anonymous user
Take PVC off first even if you get someone in they will say uncover it .then come and say what you have uncovered simple.
span in feet(divide by 2) then add 2
(span) 14 feet (divide by 2)= 7 (add 2 inches)= 9
so you need a 9x2 minimum at 400 centre.
same formula for mm just add 20mm.
size in feet airs slightly on side of caution but better safe than sorry.
Hi there, the answer given was fine but you have got to ask yourself why would the previous tenant install windows leading out to the roof if it was not for use as a balcony. I would guess that the timber wall plate is bolted into the wall and joists (don’t have a size for these ) are some how fixed to the timbers that are across the 3 pillars. You may have to remove some of the ceiling fixings to see what is there. You can either get a good builder in or you can go further and get a structural engineer in but, without seeing for him self the builder would be the best bet. Good luck
