Raising loft joist to make it load bearing

Make sure everything is properly supported in the attic space where you expect heavy loads from sewing supplies and equipment. In such cases, it is frequently advised to use steel beams in conjunction with timber joists to create a strong, load-bearing structure. To better distribute the load, you can raise the current timber joists by adding more 6x2 wood. However, if the weightis a concern, you may also want to add steel beams at key locations for extra support. Getting professional advice from a structural engineer or a builder is crucial because they can determine the exact needs of your attic space while accounting for safety concerns, structural integrity, and weight distribution, to make sure the attic is secure and appropriate for its intended purpose, they can offer you the best guidance and a customized solution.

depends on the span, but 6/2 seem a bit light for a floor would think a minimum of 8/2

Hi, if you are wanting a person to enter a loft space and use it more than just storage I would highly recommend installing suspended floor, you cant guarantee that just put in timber will be sufficient for and body to walk on the floor and it be safe, install the floor properly for the safety of everyone. Any questions let me know

If you are planning to use the space frequently then I would suggested having a suspended floor. You could have 2 parallel steel beams installed in to the brickwork and then have joists suspended between them. Bare in mind that if you do just add timber over your existing joists then you are essentially just adding more weight on top.

Hi good afternoon I would advise your daughter to seek a structural engineer and explain what she is looking to do as she is changing her loft from a storage space to a working area with industrial machines