Cutting Joists In Attic Without Damaging Drywall

I have seen situations where someone wants to build a room in an attic that has existing trusses.

Cutting joists in attic without damaging drywall.

That s a big size and strength difference between the two types of attic joists even if the joist spacing is the same. If the attic were designed as living space those ceiling joists would become floor joists and be much bigger. Make pencil marks on the joists you will be removing. Both pieces should come out without damaging the painted surface.

Tack a beam under the sagging joists. Jacking them up too fast may cause cracks in the walls and floors overhead. These problems must be addressed firsthand prior to implementing any restoration steps. Cutting and or removing joists to provide an entry or access can be the most difficult part of the overall project.

It is held in place by the ceiling joists which inside the attic become the floor joists. Yes you can typically cut through joists but you must make some additions known as trimmers and headers to the framing as well. Most often floor joists need to be sistered because of two problems either water damage which leads to rot or termite damage that crumbled the joist. This is best done from the attic.

Note that the trimmers run the whole length of the joists in place. Set a hydraulic jack and post under the beam and jack up the joists about 1 8 in. 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. Nailing two 2x4s together will work to span about three joists unless the sag is under a weight bearing wall.

Can truss members be cut. If you were to remove all the insulation you would see the drywall or plaster of the ceiling below nothing more. If you are not going to remove the insulation you. You should now be able to press up and get a clean break score the other piece from the top and do the same.

Without knowing anything about the readers house framing it s hard to say. The top corners at the outside ends of the joists may be cut at an angle to fit under the roof decking. Cut both ends perpendicular to the joists and then down the middle. If you are removing only one joist make a mark on each end 1 1 2 inches wider than the rough opening.

A day until they re level. Ceiling joists are typically 2 8 lumber floor joists are usually 2 10 or 2x 12 lumber. If there was water damage make sure that whatever leaky pipe or condensation issue caused the rot is fixed. Measure the length of the old joists and note how much they overhang any supporting walls or beams and the exterior walls.

Measure the old joists. The answer is maybe. The easiest way to do this is by building a rafter system from inside the attic in the area to be modified.