Cutting Ceiling Joist For Attic Access

Yes you can typically cut through joists but you must make some additions known as trimmers and headers to the framing as well.

Cutting ceiling joist for attic access.

No the house won t split down the middle if you have to cut the ceiling joists. Figure 1 modified joists remove any insulation that is directly in your work area and remember to replace it after you have completed the new. Position a stepladder directly under the desired area for the attic access hole. Note that the trimmers run the whole length of the joists in place.

Standard joist spacing for the installation of attic flooring materials is 16 inches on center oc meaning the distance from the center of one joist to the center of the next joist is 16 inches. This is where i will spout out some construction jargon that will hopefully sound very smart and. Make sure there are no wires in your attic that will interfere with your new attic access. Locate the joists behind the drywall.

Step 2 cut joist support boards. You ll need to use timber that is the same size and strength as the joists you are trimming and for the lining material afterwards 90mm x 18 25mm smooth planed timber is generally fine and. It may be necessary to add. The ceiling joists will not hold much weight being only 2x4 s.

Werner s easy access attic ladder 5 cut ceiling joists step 1 mark. Install the two main replacement support joists the ones that run parallel to existing joists before you cut the. Cutting and supporting joists or roof rafters is called trimming. If the room has no ceiling.

But a few precautions are necessary to ensure that the ceiling doesn t sag if and when you have to do some surgery. Locate an area centered between the two joists and cut a 6 to 8 inch diameter hole using a keyhole saw. Trimming the ceiling joists. How to cut a hole in the ceiling for attic access 1.

If the room has a ceiling and you have cut the required hole go to step 2. This little tutorial for how to head out your attic access is for you cheers.