What to expect during a single-storey rear extension
A clear, practical overview of the stages, site routines and everyday impacts of a single-storey rear extension in…
Steel beams – often called RSJs – carry the loads that walls used to carry when we open up rooms, form wide openings or convert lofts. Installing them is straightforward in principle, but it has to be done precisely and safely.
What goes into a good beam installation
- The right design – sized by a structural engineer, with bearing lengths, padstones and connections specified.
- Safe temporary works – props and needles in the right places, on a solid base, before anything is removed.
- Handling – steel is heavy. Getting it into a house safely may need lifting equipment or splicing the beam into sections.
- Bearings – padstones built on sound masonry, and the beam packed tight with no gaps.
- Fire protection – usually two layers of fire-rated board, or intumescent paint where specified.
Building control will normally want to see the beam installed before it is boxed in, so we coordinate the inspection.
