RSJ's, otherwise know as a Reinforced Steel Joists can be fitted to support overhead floor joists to allow the 'opening up' of rooms to enable an open plan feel.
Before any wall can be demolished, you must determine if the wall to be knocked down is 'load-bearing' or non load-bearing. Advice can be given by any reputable builder but calculations; steel size requirements and other load-bearing variables need to be discussed with a structural engineer where a drawing will be provided detailing all specifications. Costs for a structural surveyor vary but expect to pay between £75 and upwards for a detailed drawing which comes ready to submit to your local building control department for approval.
Load-bearing walls cannot be removed without providing an alternative means of support for the structure above.
The ends of the new RSJ must also sit a minimum 150mm onto the supporting structure. If this cannot be done due to internal walls being a standard 100mm thick, additional piers will have to be built to support the new steel joist.
Take a look at our page RSJ - Steel Beam Fitting Northamptonshire to view images and a description of how these beams were fitted.
If you require an estimate for fitting RSJ's please use the form at our online estimate page.
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