Attic Joist Reinforcement

Sistering installing new larger joists next to the existing ones is one way to bring your attic floor up to code.

Attic joist reinforcement.

Now it is time to use some wood and screw it into place on the original joist as well as the cross beam. 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. This is a fairly basic project that can help protect your roof but consult a structural. A steel plate can be used the same way.

For slightly better bracing across the entire depth of the assembly you could instead use 2x12 blocking or double 2x6 blocks one layer for the top joists and one for the bottom. A raised platform of lumber in dimensions of 2 4 or 2 6 with insulation placed between joists and covered up with a 12 inch plywood helps build the right flooring. In massachusetts attic floors must support at least 30 lbs ft live load the same as bedroom floors if the attic is accessed by means of a fixed stairway 780 cmr 5502 3 1 use a span table to determine the necessary joist dimensions given their span length spacing wood species and grade. Positioning the new joist adjacent to the existing preserves precious ceiling but it does come with some potential complications.

Measure the old joists measure the length of the old joists and note how much they overhang any supporting walls or. The solution is simple sister on an 18 gauge 1 5 8 x6 steel stud material to act as a joist running plate to plate. If the existing joist system is very close to being sufficient to support a new attic flooring. You can strengthen the roof to prevent damage by adding braces to the roof rafters inside your attic.

Toenail the blocks or end nail through the joists to tie everything together. But 2x8s should work fine and will save labor and materials. Screw the metal joist to the existing wood ceiling joist and to each plate and you have very effectively reduced the load deflection of any stored attic loads for little cost. Installing flooring material over the attic doesn t quite leave room for the recommended insulation space needed to provide efficient home energy.