Attic Stairs Across Joists

If the attic joists are not adequate one way to strengthen the floor for live loads is to sister the old joists.

Attic stairs across joists. Sometimes the ladder may fit into an existing attic accessibility hatch. Most homes will have a ladder of stairs that lead up to the attic. 2 how much weight could the ceiling joist hold. Saw through the joist s being careful not to cut through the ceiling and making sure the cut ends of the joist s are flat and vertical.

Remove the loose section of drywall. 1 can the joist be cut to make room for the attic ladder. Where possible pick a size and location for your attic ladder that enables it to fit between existing ceiling joists or trusses. The screw should be between two joists.

Ceiling joist are support by a wall that runs roughly down the middle of the house. Click here to purchase the easy access attic ladder by werner. One will be used as your stationary the other you ll cut header it off and put your attic stair in. Attic ladder kits are made to fit between existing framing in the ceiling that is the flooring of the attic.

Cut the drywall straight across between the two joists connecting the ends of the two cut lines on the far edge of the attic access hole. Single story house built in the 1940s. Sistering is the process of adding a new joist next to each existing joist. Ceiling joist are 2x4.

When a load is applied to a joist it creates a tension in the wood along the top edge. In the case of 2x6 joists you can pair them up with additional 2x6 joists by nailing them together side by side. Now that you ve cut your joists it s time to frame the new opening. Step 3 before cutting the joist first brace it to prevent sagging as you re cutting it.

Hopefully the attached pictures provide additional info.