How To Reinforce Attic Joists

How to reinforce 2 6 ceiling joists to handle heavy loads.

How to reinforce attic joists.

The existing ceiling joists are 2x6s clear spanning about 11 feet 3 inches. Use of joists in attic flooring. Each joist is strong enough to support my weight 175lbs concentrated in a 1 segment of the joist and. The subfloor installation is easy.

Covering the ceiling joists in the attic using plywood is a cheap way to make better use of the wasted space in your house. My driveway is cement so i buy new wheelsets every 5 years or so. Rather than sistering in. I d like to double my ceiling joists to make my attic space easier to work in for electrical plumbing and for lightweight storage.

Precise measurement is the most difficult as you need to consider all underlying obstructions carefully before proceeding with your plans. The attic has 2 by 8 s also but it has a plywood floor hatch and a plasterboard ceiling. Plan is to use attic for storage not for living. Also remove any blocking or bridging between the joists as applicable.

Sistering installing new larger joists next to the existing ones is one way to bring your attic floor up to code. In my 80 year old house the attic had 2x6 floor joists about 16 oc. How to reinforce an attic floor with sister joists. Positioning the new joist adjacent to the existing preserves precious ceiling but it does come with some potential complications.

I went to get a permit from the city to finish the attic and they said i needed to reinforce the floor since for a live load it was not strong enough for our span below about 12. Currently the joists are 2 4ã â â s real 2 4ã â â s not 1 ã x 3ã â â s. I need to convert an attic to livable space with minimal disruption to first floor habitation. Clear the joist spaces.

The type of modifications selected for reinforcing the joists will depend on the recommendations of the engineer but the following methods are commonly used to beef up undersized attic joists. 2x4 s actual size spaced 16 on center running the width of the building uninterrupted with the ends resting on top of the wall top plate. I have a shopsmith in my garage but only use it in the summer. Often existing joist bays are filled with electrical and heating ducts that will need to be relocated.

Beefing up attic joists for living space.