If the attic access hole is being cut for an attic ladder check the width of your ceiling joists.
Cutting 2x8 ceiling joists for attic stairs.
Hopefully the attached pictures provide additional info.
Single story house built in the 1940s.
One will be used as your stationary the other you ll cut header it off and put your attic stair in.
2 how much weight could the ceiling joist hold.
Cut around ceiling trim with a utility knife.
I d like to double my ceiling joists to make my attic space easier to work in for electrical plumbing and for lightweight storage.
The ceiling load may include items like drywall ducts recessed lights bathroom fans and attic insulation.
Cut out the framing around existing hatchway opening with a reciprocating saw 5.
Mark rough opening of new fold down staircase on the ceiling joists in the attic.
Now that you ve cut your joists it s time to frame the new opening.
The following diagram figure 1 shows the floor or ceiling joists after the access hole has been cut to install a new flight of stairs or provide an attic access.
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.
Use a reciprocating saw to cut joists and nails holding any joists that must be removed.
If the joists are installed at 16 inches on center you will need to cut one joist and attach a.
2x4 s actual size spaced 16 on center running the stack exchange network.
Ceiling joist are 2x4.
The screw should be between two joists.
Ceiling joist are support by a wall that runs roughly down the middle of the house.
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Once you re in the attic locate the screw.
A joist is made from wood concrete and steel and it is basically a strong material that provides support and stability to the entire house.
Unless expressly built so an attic s joists are meant for carrying the load of the ceiling below and related elements collectively known as the dead load.
Part 6 shows you how.
When you find it remove the insulation from the area and determine which of the joists you re going to cut.