Attic Stairs Across Joists

Most homes will have a ladder of stairs that lead up to the attic.

Attic stairs across joists.

Sistering is the process of adding a new joist next to each existing joist. Sometimes the ladder may fit into an existing attic accessibility hatch. 1 can the joist be cut to make room for the attic ladder. Now that you ve cut your joists it s time to frame the new opening.

Attic ladder kits are made to fit between existing framing in the ceiling that is the flooring of the attic. Single story house built in the 1940s. When a load is applied to a joist it creates a tension in the wood along the top edge. Click here to purchase the easy access attic ladder by werner.

Ceiling joist are support by a wall that runs roughly down the middle of the house. Part 6 shows you how. 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. One will be used as your stationary the other you ll cut header it off and put your attic stair in.

If the attic joists are not adequate one way to strengthen the floor for live loads is to sister the old joists. Ceiling joist are 2x4. Step 3 before cutting the joist first brace it to prevent sagging as you re cutting it. Joists carry the weight of the walls furniture and people on them.

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. 2 how much weight could the ceiling joist hold. Remove the loose section of drywall. In the case of 2x6 joists you can pair them up with additional 2x6 joists by nailing them together side by side.

The screw should be between two joists.