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Armat
08-23-2004, 09:58 PM
My attic conversion has becoming a real problem. Most important handicapped issue is that the ceiling joints are made with 2x4.Enough to support a plaster ceiling and light storage but not strong enough for people to walk on.
I did lot of reading on structural engineering lately and what this guys did on the middle rafters is horrible.The rafter is nailed to 2x8 board but the board is supported by 2x4! Yeah I felt my stomach sink when I saw that.
Needless to say I got to use maybe double up 2x6 since 2x8 or 2x10 will raise the floor to much and loose precious space.
Another problem is attaching 2x6 to the rafters which seem already stressed from holding the roof and supporting the ceiling and adding floor weight seems plausible to me. I have to mention that there is a central wall under the ceiling, which joints rest half way so the load on the rafters is only half the ceiling. I could be wrong on the rafters on strengh but they are only 2x5.5 inch so not really strong staff. I am getting disheartened. I am artist and thinking of using it as a studio,nothing heavy just light living.Any inputs guys?

mjpliv
08-24-2004, 04:06 AM
What is the horizontal span of the 2x4 ceiling joists and the 2x6 rafters (should be the same)? Where is the project located?

Armat
08-24-2004, 06:58 AM
Mj the project is located in Boston.The 2x4 span 9 feet to the center of the attic on wight baring wall.The rafters are more like 14 15 feet.Have not measured it yet.Thanks for replying