Universal Steel Beam Appeal
RSJ steel beams are incredibly versatile and straightforward to install. Use them to support load-bearing walls when opening up internal space in a property. RSJs are often used at the apex of a vaulted roof, as a ridge steel to take the weight and force, of rafters and roof structures.
In an extension, when a wall is being opened up to enlarge a kitchen or other living area, it is usual to use RSJ girders to support the existing structure. For larger openings, it is sometimes specified that a goal-post arrangement is set up to transfer loadings to the foundations.
In most cases a padstone would be sufficient, however, UK Building Control will want to see evidence of calculations made by a structural engineer to demonstrate that the I-Beam fitted is adequate for the job.
Size Matters
A steel girder is usually lighter than a concrete lintel equivalent, which makes it a simpler thing to install. An I-beam’s main advantage is that it can be used to span huge openings and trimmed on-site to suit conditions.
For the widest openings the structural engineer may recommend that a fabricator weld in web stiffeners to prevent deflection or upgrade to a larger steel profile. It can often depend upon how much room there is between floor levels.
Going Large
The largest steel joists can span 6.6 metres, allowing for 200mm bearing at each end with a seven-metre steel beam. When planning for wide spans, always remember your logistics, i.e. will a longer steel fit through the existing access?
It may be sensible to split a beam into two sections and then bolt them together with plates once the steel is in position, ready to lift into place. Spending time with a tape measure before you order is always a good idea.
Money Matters
RSJ steel beams remain a reliable and widely used solution for supporting load-bearing structures across domestic and commercial projects. Their strength-to-weight ratio allows for efficient structural support without excessive bulk, making them suitable for everything from small internal openings through to larger structural alterations.
Rather than focusing on fixed costs, it’s worth understanding that steel beam requirements are highly project-specific. Factors such as span, loadings, bearing conditions, and access constraints will all influence the specification, fabrication, and overall supply approach.
For this reason, RSJs are typically selected and sized based on structural calculations, with final requirements confirmed by an engineer before ordering.
Getting the Right Beam
Common sizes such as smaller universal beams are often used for straightforward internal openings, while larger sections are specified for wider spans or heavier load conditions. In some cases, additional fabrication such as stiffeners or bespoke lengths may be required to meet structural demands.
Where access is restricted, beams can also be supplied in sections and assembled on-site, helping to overcome installation challenges without compromising performance.
Before ordering, it’s worth checking site access, lifting capability, and bearing conditions. These practical constraints often have just as much impact on the final beam choice as the structural calculations.
Supply and Delivery
At Wade, we supply a wide range of RSJ steel beams to suit different applications, with flexible delivery options to site. Our fleet includes vehicles capable of handling both standard deliveries and larger, more complex loads, including crane offload where required .
If you’re unsure what you need, our team can help guide you through the options based on your project requirements.
