Attic Joist Reinforcement

Often existing joist bays are filled with electrical and heating ducts that will need to be relocated.

Attic joist reinforcement.

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

Toenail the blocks or end nail through the joists to tie everything together. If the existing joist system is very close to being sufficient to support a new attic flooring. Now it is time to use some wood and screw it into place on the original joist as well as the cross beam. Installing flooring material over the attic doesn t quite leave room for the recommended insulation space needed to provide efficient home energy.

This is a fairly basic project that can help protect your roof but consult a structural. Step 4 reinforce the floors you will have to use a very sturdy piece of wood or some steel plating to reinforce the floor joists. Positioning the new joist adjacent to the existing preserves precious ceiling but it does come with some potential complications. You can strengthen the roof to prevent damage by adding braces to the roof rafters inside your attic.

How to reinforce an attic floor with sister joists clear the joist spaces pull out all insulation and any debris from all of the joist spaces so you can see the full. Measure the old joists measure the length of the old joists and note how much they overhang any supporting walls or. A steel plate can be used the same way. 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.