Reinforce roof beams in a summer house

[undrar om]

Hello!
We're going to try to reinforce the ceiling beams in our holiday home. There's an older part from 1968 and a newer extension from the early 90s. However, they are connected in a somewhat inadequate way, so we want to reinforce them. I've tried to explain what I mean in the picture below 😅 We're thinking of placing joists about 30 cm (blue) on each side, and then one straight across everything at about 1 meter (orange). What do you think about that, or do you have any other suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[lärjungen]

I would have done it in a similar way, but I would have let the overlapping beam be longer, maybe 2m or so. In addition, I would both screw and glue them together with the existing beams. That way it becomes properly stable.

 

[fribygg]

Isn't it possible to move the existing pole so that the "extension's" roof beam is also supported by it or simply put an additional pole with a proper foundation underneath to support the extension?

 

[lärjungen]

Is it not possible to move the existing post so that even the "extension's" roof beam gets support from it or simply put another post with a proper plinth underneath to support the extension?

I interpret it as a temporary post used to align the floor frame.

 

[undrar om]

Thanks for the quick responses, very helpful! No, the column came with the house purchase 😅 but yes, we will move it so that it supports underneath where the two glulam beams overlap, so that should also help.

 

[fribygg]

I interpret it as a temporary post used to align the beam layer.

I interpret the image as having removed the old exterior wall and replaced it with a post when extending the house.

 

[lärjungen]

I interpret the image as if the old outer wall has been removed and replaced with a post when the house was extended.

Yes, that seems correct. I stand corrected 😊

 

[fribygg]

Yes, that seems to be correct. I stand corrected 😊

The post was placed unfortunately but the roof seems to have held up well anyway from what I can see in the picture.

 

[undrar om]

I'll take the opportunity to ask about nails (or screws?): how many would you use in each respective beam?

 

[fribygg]

I'll take the opportunity to ask about nails (or screws?): how many would you put in each joist?

I would just put a new post under the "new roof beam" if the intended floor plan allows it. I think messing around with a lot of short planks in the ceiling is worse.

 

[lärjungen]

I'm taking the opportunity to ask about nails (or screws?): how many would you use in each beam?

I would definitely screw, not nail. When I make homemade "glulam beams" I place screws about 15 cm apart. One at each edge. Then one in the middle, but offset. See illustration. And perhaps increase the overlap even more than I mentioned in my original post. Maybe at least 4 meters if you won't have support underneath. Preferably all the way from wall to wall with support in the wall if you want an open floor plan.

 

[fribygg]

I would definitely screw, not nail. When I make homemade "glue laminated beams," I place screws about 15 cm apart. One on each edge. Then one in the middle but offset. See illustration.

Would you rather screw short planks/pieces to the roof beams according to TS's idea and measurements to reinforce the existing ones instead of installing a new post under the "new roof beam"?

 

[lärjungen]

Would you rather screw short plank/regelbitar pieces against the ceiling beams according to TS's idea and measurements to strengthen the existing one, instead of placing a new post under the "new ceiling beam"?

It depends. If I want a completely open floor plan, I would do that. But if there will be a wall there anyway, or if it's okay to have posts in the middle of the room, that's a more practical, time-efficient, and material-efficient solution.

 

[fribygg]

Are you @undrar om planning to have a post/posts or maybe a small wall section, or are you thinking of having it completely open?

 

[undrar om]

Interesting answers, thanks! There was previously a sort of kitchen island there that separated the dining area from the kitchen, ending where the post now is. We would probably have preferred an open floor plan but might have to keep it as it is for extra support (but move the post so it supports both beams).

However, I'm also considering placing a beam like the one (but stronger) that runs over the post and under the roof beam from the outer wall up to the middle of the roof, and then a similar one down on the other side (about 3.60 m in each direction). And support with a wall under the middle of the roof, about 70 cm from the post you see in the picture. All beams have the same type of overlap between the old and new part. What do you all think about that?