09 Sep Loft Conversion Steel Beams: The Best Choice

Loft conversion is a popular way to expand the liveable space of any home, but as lofts aren’t typically built to be lived in, they may require structural modifications to be fit for their new purpose. We are often asked, ‘do I need steel beams for a loft conversion?’. The simple answer is, yes, it’s common to need some type of structural component added to bear the increased weight of the new living space. Lofts don’t have load-bearing walls to cope with the increased weight of using your new space, so you cannot rely on this as much as you can with conventional rooms. Steel beams will provide an effective way to create the needed strength and stability well into the future.

The Benefits of Using Steel Beams for Your Loft Conversion

As structural integrity is vital in any construction, using steel beams in your loft conversion will ensure that your loft meets all safety requirements and passes any building regulation checks.

Structural Integrity

Steel is reliable and sturdy with exceptional compressive strength. If fabricated and installed correctly, it will be perfectly capable of supporting any residential loft space without struggle.

Flexibility

As steel is a metal, it can very easily be cut and altered to fit your home perfectly. Although, with an experienced, specialist steel fabricator such as Baker Steel Trading, your steel beams will be a perfect fit, helping to alleviate any stress throughout the process.

Durability

It’s common knowledge that steel is a durable material, yet very few realise quite how durable and reliable it is. Steel is the most commonly used building material; it is highly durable with exceptional resistance to corrosion and strong chemical makeup. Using steel in any construction project should give you peace of mind regarding safety.

Lower Cost

One of the most significant benefits of using steel is the low cost, especially when you consider the excessive cost that may come with repairing or maintaining alternatives. Steel beams are one of the best ways to support a loft conversion as you’re unlikely ever to need to think about maintenance within your lifetime.

Immune to Rotting

One of steel’s alternatives is wooden beams. Wood is an excellent material, but it is prone to costly and dangerous problems that steel is entirely immune to. Rotting and wood-boring insects can often plague homes with wood beams, causing structural damage that will leave you with a very hefty bill to fix. Is it really worth it?

How Many Steel Beams Are Needed for a Loft Conversion?

The number of steel beams needed to support your new attic room will depend on the size of your loft. In some cases, one beam is enough to provide ample support. However, needing more isn’t uncommon. Other factors, such as windows and doors, will also affect the number of steel beams needed.

If you’re working with a loft conversion specialist, then they’ll be able to talk you through any requirements to make your new space safe to live in, as well as make sure you’re following any regulations or guidelines.

Where Do Steel Beams Go in a Loft Conversion?

Usually, steel beams used in a loft conversion would be placed side-to-side or from one wall to another. This is a great way to utilise steel beams’ strong, load-bearing nature, creating excellent support and stability for your newly converted loft.

Can You do a Loft Conversion Without Using Steel Beams?

Using timber or glulam beams is possible. However, these types of beams lack the strength and durability that steel has and may not be able to span across bigger rooms. As previously mentioned, they are also more likely to be damaged by rot or wood-boring insects, leading to costly replacement or repairs.

Steel beams are also the more cost-effective option as they’re very unlikely to need to be replaced – they can frequently outlive the rest of the building.

Buy Steel Beams From Baker Steel Trading

At Baker Steel Trading, we offer steel beams manufactured and fabricated to your exact requirements. Using 3D modelling tools allows us to fabricate steel to custom measurements, creating beams to provide unparalleled strength and structural integrity.

Our years of experience in steel fabrication will enable us to create sturdy and reliable steel beams and columns to keep you and your project safe at an affordable price. Contact us for more information.