Strengthening attic joists for live loads by sistering.
Loads for attic.
Live load on attic floor local requirements.
First floor live loads have higher requirements than second floor live loads 40 pounds per square foot vs.
2attic loads may be included in the floor live load but a 10 psf attic load is typically used only to size ceiling joists adequately for access purposes.
Ft dead load of roof of wood shingle construction 10 lbs.
In the case of 2x6 joists you can pair them up with additional 2x6 joists by nailing them together.
If your existing attic flooring isn t adequate for conversion to a living space all is not lost.
If the attic joists are not adequate one way to strengthen the floor for live loads is to sister the old joists.
Loads should be determined in accordance with this chapter.
When used for storage only dead load of attic floor not floored 10 lbs.
Sistering is the process of adding a new joist next to each existing joist.
A room used solely for sleeping might need to carry only 30 psf whereas a garage floor over a basement would need 50 psf or higher.
However if the attic is intended for storage the attic live load or some portion should also be considered for the design of.