Service

Roof Alterations

Altering an existing roof, whether to form an opening, remove internal supports or change its shape, changes how it carries load and must be engineered with care. We assess the existing structure and design the strengthening needed to make your changes safe.

Alterations to roof structures often require careful assessment of the existing arrangement to ensure new loads are adequately supported and structural stability is maintained. Whether creating additional living space within a loft, installing rooflights, forming dormers, removing supports or opening up vaulted ceilings, Tashi Structures develops practical structural solutions tailored to the existing building.

Our services include assessment of existing roof and floor structures, steelwork design, floor strengthening, support details and construction information suitable for Building Control approval and construction. The objective is always to maximise usable space while delivering a safe, practical and economical structural solution.

Key points

Assessment of the existing roof structure
Support for new and altered loads
Openings for rooflights and dormers
Removing internal roof supports
Forming vaulted or raised ceilings
Steelwork and strengthening details

When you need this

Roof alterations are needed wherever you change an existing roof rather than simply building beneath it, such as forming a dormer, cutting in rooflights, opening up a vaulted ceiling or raising the roofline.

Because these works often remove or interrupt the timbers that brace and support the roof, replacement structure is usually required to carry the loads safely once the originals are altered.

Frequently asked questions

How is this different from a loft conversion?

A loft conversion focuses on creating usable living space within the roof, whereas roof alterations are about changing the roof itself, such as its openings, supports or shape. The two often overlap, and we can advise where your project does both.

Can I remove the timbers in my roof to open up the space?

Often yes, but not without providing alternative support. Those timbers usually brace the roof, so removing them means designing replacement structure, frequently steelwork, to carry the loads they were taking.

Do I need an engineer to add rooflights or a dormer?

If the opening interrupts rafters or other structural members, yes. We design the trimming and support around the opening and provide the details Building Control will expect.

Will the existing roof take the new loads?

We assess the existing structure first to establish what it can carry. Where the proposed changes add load, we design the strengthening needed so the altered roof performs safely.

Do roof alterations need Building Control approval?

Structural roof alterations generally do. We provide the calculations and details required to support Building Control approval for the works.