My ultimate plan is to sister the joists to make a sturdier attic ceiling blow in insulation on the roof and put plywood across the joists for a storage platform for my boxes.
Is my attic 2x4s or 2x6s.
There are many things to consider before undertaking the work.
Daveola mar 1 at 23 55.
My calculations tell me assuming 2 southern yellow pine joists which are common in my area that 2x6s 16 inches on center will span 9 feet 9 inches with allowable deflection being the governing factor.
I temporarily attached a couple of 2x4s to the rafters and made sure they were level to each other and along their lengths.
Turning an attic into a room can add value to your home and additional living space for your family.
The attic joists are only 2x4s and are 27 inch on center i double checked.
Save yourself the trouble just stand 2x6s or 2x8s alongside the existing and screw them together then cover with ply.
After i completely gutted the attic i had a blank slate.
And i also have 2x6s that make up the floor of the attic.
Actually talking to my brother just came up with a new idea add 2 or 3 posts that tie the weak attic floor to the load bearing ceiling above and then just be happy with a bunch of 2x4s for most of the weight bearing knowing that the posts can cut the span in half.
For example if you need 4 5 cuts of 2 4 you want to buy 2 10 2x4s instead of 4 8 2x4s.
When you start a 2 4 project you can figure out all of your measurements in advance.
But you can still double the capacity of the existing 2x6s in the attic floor so first let s make sure that s enough for your situation.
I talked to a structural engineer and he advised to sister the existing 2 4 joists.
Use 2 syp not spf and you ll be fine.
Many older homes were built with steep pitched roofs and plenty of available height that makes attic conversion easy and inexpensive.
Whenever you are asked if you can do a job tell em certainly i can then get busy and find out how.
If your joists are 2x6s or 2x8s they are not adequate for supporting attic flooring in a new living area and the furnishings and humans who will use them.
If you do this you can plan what size 2x4s you want to purchase then see if there s a good combination so you are left with the least amount of scrap.
Attic flooring intended for a.
I m thinking of finishing off my attic but my roof rafters are made from 2x4s.
I live in atlanta so snow and ice aren t a concern but i do want standard insulation of course.
Next i cut 2x6s and installed them by resting them on the 2x4s and screwing.
My primary concern was to ensure the attic had proper insulation and ventilation.
Doesn t even equal a 2x6.