Cutting Doorway in support wall

[Dookie]

Hi,

Im not certain about the support wall in this loft. Im assuming the wall was built as single support during construction as it was easier than building two support columns.

Ive loaded a picture here http://a.imageshack.us/img841/3604/rszloftwall.jpg

Is it safe to cut a doorway ( marked in blue ) or will it compromise the strength ? I did consider the wall was built like this deliberately to strengthen against movement from expansion/contraction. You can see from the close ups, small amounts of brick & slate were used to level up to the girders. That suggest to me that all force is downwards & none side to side.

Can I cut without bracing or will I end up with roof collapsing into the lounge at sometime in the future ?

If somebody could clarify for me it would be really appreciated.

[stoneyboy]

Dookie,
If you can cut the opening using an angle grinder from both sides you will probably be OK.
Hammering the bricks out will probably disturb the remaing wall and if you are going to do this you may as well remove the whole wall and fit timber struts both vertically and diagonally to the centre of the roof space.
end

[Dookie]

Thanks ever so much for your input on this Stoneyboy.

I was planning to use a grinder and then drill the mortar between the bricks.
I thought this would make removing the bricks easier and keep side impact to a minimum. I dont have the expertise to add struts etc with confidence.

The fact you said "'Probably' be ok" has made me even more cautious now because doubling my loft space at the risk of losing my house isnt a chance I can afford to take.

As you cant see any obvious reasons why it cant be done then perhaps I could get a builder in with liability insurance to do it.

Many thanks Stoneyboy for your time and advice.

Cheers Dooks

[stoneyboy]

Dookie,
You need to find an old fshioned builder who is used to dealing with cut roofs, ask if he thinks he can improve support along the purlin - your pictures show they are folding over the support wall.
end

[windowsill]

did you have any luck yet with finding one? I was facing a similar problem regarding some door-fitting in my mother's house and just stumbled upon this post...been able to find some help here: http://www.myhammer.co.uk/db/Door-Fitti ... dows/-/uk/, though, maybe give it a try...