You will need a steel beam or similar (bearing on padstones set into the end walls) over the floor joists directly under the purloin.
You can then fit 100mm x 50mm struts from this to support the purloin. In the event that you want to strengten your floor by installing extra joists running alongside the existing, you can hang them from this steel.
You will need a structural engineer to do calculations to 'prove' the steel beam size.
Mar 18, 2009
Answer From Our Expert by: Jeremy Wedge
The layout that can be seen from you photograph is typical construction for the age of your property.
In converting the space these components can be repositioned to create more space.
We would advise that you seek professional help to undertake the design of a new support system.
We can provide a design service to cover these works as well as a number of other services to support you when you make a planning or building regulation application.
