Reinforcing 2x4 Attic Joists

Standard joist spacing for the installation of attic flooring materials is 16 inches on center oc meaning the distance from the center of one joist to the center of the next joist is 16 inches.

Reinforcing 2x4 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 d like to double my ceiling joists to make my attic space easier to work in for electrical plumbing and for lightweight storage. A day until they re level. Often existing joist bays are filled with electrical and heating ducts that will need to be relocated.

In attics built purely for storage purposes you may find 2x6 ceiling joists or in some cases even 2x4 joists. How to make 2x6 joists work in an attic renovation and pass inspection. Set a hydraulic jack and post under the beam and jack up the joists about 1 8 in. Jacking them up too fast may cause cracks in the walls and floors overhead.

Tack a beam under the sagging joists. Dave voskos 56 405 views. Flooring for dead loads may not be sufficient for live loads the loads created by people and the features of living space. Sistering installing new larger joists next to the existing ones is one way to bring your attic floor up to code.

How to reinforce an attic floor with sister joists. Nailing two 2x4s together will work to span about three joists unless the sag is under a weight bearing wall.