External masonry corners need a minimum return length to provide adequate lateral stiffness. Below 665 mm, a structural post may be needed. Here’s the rule and what to do if your corner is tight.
Corner Window Post Alignment: SHS Column Position vs the Glazing Line
Advice Centre
A steel post at a corner window needs to sit under the beam for structural load transfer — but this can conflict with the glazing line. Here are the options for resolving the clash.
Flat Roof Boarding and Sheathing: What Does the Structural Specification Require?
Advice Centre
The structural specification for flat roof boarding is typically set by the architect, not the structural engineer. Here’s what LABC recommends and how to verify requirements with Building Control.
Notching and Drilling Suspended Timber Floor Joists: The Rules
Advice Centre
Notching and drilling floor joists is acceptable within defined zone limits. Outside those limits, the joist capacity is reduced and may need replacing. Here’s what you need to know.
Joist and Rafter Connections to Beams: Who Details This?
Advice Centre
How joists and rafters connect to steel beams is a construction detail — not a structural engineering item. The builder or architect decides, within broadly accepted practice.
Timber Structural Notes and Specifications
Advice Centre
A reference guide for the standard PorthouseDean timber specification — grades, treatments, fasteners, bearing requirements, and restraint provisions for domestic structural timber.
Understanding Windpost Connections at Gable Ends
Advice Centre
Where rafters don’t overhang the gable wall, a windpost needs to be tied to the floor structure above. Here’s the accepted connection method using mild steel restraint straps and noggins.
Why Is Plywood Sheathing Required to Timber Stud Walls?
Advice Centre
Structural plywood sheathing resists racking (lateral wind loads) in timber stud walls. Here’s why it’s needed, how it works, and when single-sided vs double-sided is required.
Wind Post Requirements for Walls Adjacent to Neighbouring Properties
Advice Centre
A wall bordering a neighbour’s property is not always a party wall — and it may still need a wind post. Here’s how to work out which case applies to your project.