Although interior design, colour schemes, and feature staircases may be more interesting to choose, the beams you use for constructing your loft conversion are essential. Without these, your new loft conversion will not be structurally sound. This is why your loft conversion should always be professionally planned. Deciding on supporting beams is a decision you need to make early on in the loft conversion process. As a result, here at Pinnacle Loft Converisons, we have produced this guide to steel or timber beams for your loft conversion.
Structural considerations
Structural integrity is one of the most important parts of a loft conversion. Your home after all needs to be able to support the additional weight, and bear the load. Supporting beams will help with this.
Steel beams are most commonly used, and these tend to be more flexible and span longer distances than unsupported timber.
In addition, if your loft conversion is fairly short on space, the steel beams can be spliced together while maintaining their core strength.
Strength and durability
Both timber and steel beams are capable of supporting a huge weight and both provide fantastic levels of strength and support. However, steel has less weaknesses than timber, is generally stronger, and more durable, with less maintenance.
Timber is a material that can be prone to rot and moisture, as well as insect infestation. All of this will weaken your beams and the support they provide.
In contrast, steel beams last longer, are cleaner and are less problematic than timber beams.
Cost
Finally, steel beams are generally cheaper than timber, and are more widely available because of their use on extensions, conversions and commercial buildings across the UK. In addition, they also last longer than timber beams, which means that they are extremely cost effective.
If you are ready to begin planning your loft conversion, get in touch with the exerts here at Pinnacle Loft Conversions.