Cutting Joists In Attic Without Damaging Drywall

Measure the distance between the full joists on either side of the cut joists.

Cutting joists in attic without damaging drywall.

Attic joists that are made from 2x8s may be acceptable for building your attic floor but because every room is variable there are no absolutes. In order to maintain the support integrity of the ceiling or floor joist or rafter system it is important that if joists are cut that the load that was bearing on those joists be transferred to a modified support system. If the attic were designed as living space those ceiling joists would become floor joists and be much bigger. Single story house built in the 1940s.

Ceiling joist are 2x4. Then set new joists same height as existing ones alongside the old. 1 can the joist be cut to make room for the attic ladder. Attic joists for live loads.

Standard ceiling joists sit on 24 inch centers and the space between them is 22 1 2 inches. Hopefully the attached pictures provide additional info. Tack a beam under the sagging joists. That s a big size and strength difference between the two types of attic joists even if the joist spacing is the same.

These are trimmer joists. A day until they re level. Joist dimensions are only part of the equation. You also need to ensure that the joist spacing is adequate.

Cutting and or removing joists to provide an entry or access can be the most difficult part of the overall project. Ceiling joists are typically 2 8 lumber floor joists are usually 2 10 or 2x 12 lumber. Nailing two 2x4s together will work to span about three joists unless the sag is under a weight bearing wall.