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Extensions

Re-using timber roof trusses on a first floor extension

Anonymous user 16/03/2024 - 2.43 PM

Hello All, I have bought an older bungalow (built in the early '80s) and basically hasn't been touched since by the occupant who has had it since new. My plan at the moment (provided footings are suitable) is to go straight up on the existing footprint in timber frame. However, the budget is very tight(!) and I am looking at ways to save costs. Would it be ok to re-use the original roof trusses? The roof if a rafter & purlin construction, and from what I could see when I had a look it all is sound - closer inspection will divulge more though.

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4 Answers

Anonymous user

Depending what style roof construction is you’d need calculations do to see what size timber is needed for regs to see weather your old ones would be suitable
Answered31 August 2021
2

PSE Consultants

No reviews yet

West Hendon, London
Hello Nathan. timber can last a long time in the right conditions. One of the problem you will have is when taking down the existing roof to undertake your build the timber could get damaged which would weaken them and this might not be obvious. the other problem is storage and the conditions could affect them. i would suggest that you can reuse some of the timber but i would not do it for the roof as this is complex and you want it to last as long as possible. You don't want to have to make repairs in 5 or 10 years time as it will be far more costly. you could try and reuse the timber is less critical areas of the property. Hope that helps.
Answered1 September 2021
1

Anonymous user

Unfortunately it’s all down to the material it self , if it’s damage but still looks okay to use then please don’t use ! In my view I’d buy new materials and use them where possible
Answered31 August 2021
0

Metushi Builder

Rating: 5 out of 5
Bedford
To be sure if your existing rafters are suitable to Carry on with your project I’d suggest get a second opinion from structure engineer or a building surveyor
Answered4 September 2021
0