Kaaijk MetaalbewerkingA steel structure carries what you take away
With an extension, an addition or a knocked-through wall, the way a building carries its weight changes. A steel beam or portal frame is then often needed. Here is when, and how it works.
When is steel needed?
If you remove a load-bearing wall or make a large opening in a facade, the weight of the floors and walls above has to go somewhere else. A steel beam, or a portal frame of beams and columns, takes over that job. Typical situations are:
- Knocking through between kitchen and living room
- A rear extension or addition
- A large opening for a glazed screen or sliding doors
- Renovating or refurbishing a commercial building
The structural engineer's calculation comes first
How heavy a beam needs to be is not something you judge by eye. We start with structural drawings based on exact calculations, which we produce together with a certified structural engineer. That makes sure the steel structure is strong enough and can be installed safely. Check with your local council whether the renovation needs a permit or notification; you will usually need the calculation and drawing for that.
Made to EN 1090-2
A steel structure has to meet every safety requirement. Kaaijk Metaalbewerking is EN 1090-2 certified. That standard sets out the technical requirements for manufacturing steel structures, such as sawing, cutting, shearing and welding. We make the beams and portal frames in our own workshop in Zaandam.
Installation together with the contractor
Throughout the process we work closely with your contractor, or with the contractor we work with. Before a wall is removed, the structure above is temporarily supported with props. The steel structure is then placed and connected, so the weight is carried properly again. Once the structure is ready, we come to install it.
Start in good time
Planning a renovation? Get in touch early, so the calculation, drawing and production are ready when the contractor needs the steel structure. We work for private and business customers within a radius of about 50 kilometres around Zaandam.