Structural Steel & RSJ Installation Services
Also known as a universal beam, universal column, steel lintel, I-beam, or H-beam, a Rolled Steel Joist (RSJ) is a structural beam that’s specially shaped to bear loads from upper floors or roofs and to safely distribute the weight from above down through the walls or posts.
Here at Structural Projects North West, we handle the supply and installation of RSJ beams in-house. Our specialists work with structural engineer-approved designs and use appropriate lifting equipment to safely install durable steel beams with UK building regulations approval.
From homeowners in Manchester to developers in Liverpool and beyond, we deliver efficient, reliable RSJ solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial clients across the North West of England.
For fast structural steel installation by local specialists, call our team on 0161 806 2131 today.
Where can we install universal beams for structural support with Building Control approval?
Our experienced RSJ installers can assist with all kinds of construction projects, including:
- Wall removals: Adding beams to support the weight of upper floors/roofs when load-bearing walls are taken down to create open-plan spaces.
- Door/window openings: Holding up masonry above large openings like bifold, sliding, or French doors, bay windows, or knocked-through walls.
- Lintel replacements: Swapping damaged lintels or weaker materials for new RSJ steel lintels to restore structural strength to the building.
- Conversions: Reinforcing floor, ceiling, and roof structures when old supports are adjusted, removed, or replaced during building conversions.
- Extensions: Providing structural support for new floor and roof layouts created by single-storey or double-storey property extensions.
- Retaining walls: Setting RSJ steel posts in concrete to support timber sleepers that can form sturdy retaining walls to prevent soil movement.
- Bridges/tunnels: Installing lengths of RSJ steel beams across long distances that can support heavy loads from traffic or earth pressure.
- Vertical supports: From fitting load-bearing posts and barriers to assisting with full vertical and horizontal frameworks for multi-storey buildings.
Whichever size RSJ you’re looking for, we can supply and fit structural steel I or H beams for smaller or larger spans and simple or more complex projects, providing quotes with an RSJ cost per metre.
In addition to our comprehensive range of structural steelwork services, we also offer load bearing wall removal in Manchester and structural alterations in Manchester.
So, if you need to remove a load-bearing wall and install a rolled steel joist as part of external or internal structural alterations, you can come to us for all of these services under one roof!
To get started, fill out the contact form on this page, give us a call on 0161 806 2131, or send an email to sales@structuralprojectsnw.co.uk with your project details, and we’ll be in touch.
Why choose us
- Fully insured
- Building regulations compliant
- Free, no-obligation quotes
- Same day response
- Projects completed on time and in budget
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a structural engineer for RSJ installation?
In most cases, yes – you’ll need to consult a structural engineer to calculate the size, weight, capacity, and padstone requirements of an RSJ beam to ensure the load is spread safely. Structural renovations often need approval from local authorities, too, so the Building Control office will expect you to submit precise structural calculations as part of your planning application.
Additionally, if you’re looking for a building insurance provider or intend to sell the property later, you might run into difficulties without evidence that the structural work was approved.
However, this may not be necessary if you’re replacing an identical older beam with no changes to the load, or if you’re 100% certain that the wall doesn’t support any weight above. For help with replacing or altering support walls in residential, industrial, or commercial buildings at competitive prices, get in touch with Structural Projects North West today.
How does fitting an RSJ in a load-bearing wall work?
Removing load-bearing walls requires careful planning, which includes replacing the wall with an appropriate support structure to bear the weight from above. In both domestic and commercial projects, the process involves: Planning – Getting calculations from a structural engineer, submitting necessary notices or plans, and ordering steel beam materials. Preparing – Clearing the area and setting up temporary supports on both sides of the wall (such as acrow props with strongboys).
Installing – Cutting padstone pockets, hoisting the beam into place, levelling and packing, applying mortar and grout, and allowing it to cure. Finishing – Removing the temporary props, knocking down the remaining wall section, clearing the debris, allowing inspection, and covering the beam.
Installing an RSJ in place of a load-bearing wall typically doesn’t need planning permission if it’s an internal wall, but you’ll still need to submit a Building Notice or Full Plans application first, and a local authority (such as Manchester City Council Building Control) must inspect the installation to make sure it complies with regulations before it can be certified as safe.
If the work will affect a shared wall with a neighbour, you’ll need a Party Wall Agreement, serving a Party Wall Notice at least two months in advance of the construction starting. Whether we’re assisting with the load-bearing wall removal as well, or only installing the RSJ, we work closely with structural engineers to ensure a safe structural design, using steel beams with the correct loading requirements and necessary dimensions to maintain structural integrity.
How long does RSJ steel beam installation take?
For a standard residential project, installing an RSJ steel beam should only take 1 to 3 days of on-site work. However, this doesn’t include the pre-installation lead time – it can take a few weeks to get calculations from a structural engineer and to order and cut the required steel beam.
The installation itself will involve constructing temporary supports, removing masonry (if this hasn’t already been completed beforehand), setting padstones, positioning and securing the beam, and making any final adjustments before removing the temporary supports. The padstones and mortar may need a few more days to cure, allowing them to reach full strength before you can proceed to re-plaster and decorate the wall.
Of course, timelines vary based on the size and complexity of the installation, so larger projects will take longer. When you consult our team, we’ll provide an estimate of the anticipated timeframe and promptly communicate any changes as the project progresses.
How much does RSJ beam installation cost?
To get a quote for the cost of installing an RSJ steel beam, you’ll need to provide us with information about your project, such as drawings or structural calculations and your budget. Our team will use these details to provide a quotation that outlines the cost of the materials and labour, including steel beams, installation, and finishing the wall. Factors that impact the cost of fitting RSJ beams include the wall type, the size of the beam, and the weight it has to hold.
For example, larger and heavier beams will require heavy lifting equipment. In some cases, unforeseen issues may generate additional costs after work begins. If we uncover hidden structural issues, damage, or pipework or electrical services that need to be moved, we’ll need to discuss the extra work and costs with you before we can proceed.
To get started, fill out the contact form on this page, give us a call on 0161 806 2131, or send an email to sales@structuralprojectsnw.co.uk with your project details, and we’ll be in touch.
