Safe Removal of Surplus Hangers? Information and advice on lofts and loft conversions. Find solutions and post your questions here...

[Martin1946]

I have two vertical 1 1/2" x 3/4" vertical timbers (hangers?) in the centre of my loft connecting two roof rafters at the apex to ceiling joists; what purpose do/did they serve and can they be removed?. It is not a trussed roof; the bungalow was built in the early 60s. and there are similar (shorter) 1 1/2" x 3/4" hangers between the supporting joists and the rafters approximately 6 feet in from the supporting outer walls; there are substantial horizontal beams supporting the rafters running the length of the bungalow supported by external and internal block walls also 6 feet from the external walls. There are no horizontal cross timbers in the loft. The loft is used for storage only.Advice much appreciated. Thankyou

[stoneyboy]

Hi martin1946
More details starting with a picture is needed.
Regards S

[Martin1946]

Thanks for responding to my query.
I have attached four photos as requested.

Photo 1 shows how "flimsy" the wooden post is.

Photo 2 shows where it is attached to one of the uppermost roof timbers which run the length of the bungalow

Photo 3 shows the wooden post from top to bottm; it is attached to thye central floor joist running the length of the bungalow ( The flooring is on loft legs)

Photo 4 shows the shorter side hangers;thes do NOT flex like the two cnetre ones whichcan be moved 1/2" sideways. I intend to leave the side hangers in place.

Thankyou for taking the trouble to reply.

Martin

[stoneyboy]

Hi martin1946
They are far too small to be structural, the centre ones were probably a temporary support used during construction. The side ones look like a later addition but again not structural.
Regards S

[Martin1946]

Thanks so much for your quick response. It means I can remove the two centre ones. I will leave the side ones as I will be putting some boards up to stop storage items getting pushed onto the unboarded areas.

Thanks and take care.
Martin