Coming Down

To complete the timber frame the old front elevation must come down. Most of the construction is timber which won't put up much resistance.

However, there are two brick piers that extend up to eaves level. These support large timber trusses which carry part of the roof load and assist in restraining the outward thrust of the rafters. The piers lean outwards in a precarious fashion so I am pleased they need to go, although I am slightly apprehensive about removing such massive lumps of masonry.

I have supported the ends of the trusses with salvaged floor joists bolted each side and braced diagonally to resist sideways movement. The timber wall plate has been strapped to the trusses and supported between with accro props and reclaimed timber posts.

The brick piers will be taken down separately, with more floor joists used to resist collapse. Once removed it will be possible to install the edge beams and complete
the timber frame.