Attic Joists 2x6

I d like to double my ceiling joists to make my attic space easier to work in for electrical plumbing and for lightweight storage.

Attic joists 2x6.

2x6 joists at the span that you are talking about 16 and 18 are not strong enough to support a floor as a living space. Although you can construct a garage using thicker stronger joists 2 inch by 6 inch joists are sufficient for most garages even if you intend to build an attic storage area above your garage. In attics built purely for storage purposes you may find 2x6 ceiling joists or in some cases even 2x4 joists. With a span like that the timber size that you sister in would have to be at least 2x10 s.

2x4 s actual size spaced 16 on center running the width of the building uninterrupted with the ends resting on top of the wall top plate. Flooring for dead loads may not be sufficient for live loads the loads created by people and the features of living space. Achieving greater r values in attics the higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. Look this up in a joist span table available in numerous places on the web if you do not believe me.

This is made up of ceiling joists typically 2x6 or larger boards. Each joist is strong enough to support my weight 175lbs concentrated in a 1 segment of the joist and. If the joists are larger they might. 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.

Find your zone on the map and then use the chart to determine the level of insulation you need to properly insulate your attic walls floors and crawlspaces. Many a garage has been loaded down for decades the way you suggest and out and out failures are rare in spite of the rather inferior garage construction techniques used 60 80 years ago. The 2 6 joists will sag no doubt says danh. Fine homebuilding notes that 2 inch by 6 inch garage joists will support a weight of up to 50 pounds per square foot.