As a new dad I looked for ways to expand my square footage. One decision made by several was to finish my attic. However, when I had a larger house, built in the 1950s, I did not know if my rafters, which would become the attic floor of the living room, would be strong enough to support the living and/or storage spaces. After a quick peak at Attica I quickly saw that they were not strong enough. Fortunately, an easy solution was to reinforce the upper beams.
Demotion
The first step in this project is to lay out the beams so I can see exactly what I’m working on. This involves cleaning the room under which the work was installed and tearing down the ceiling and ceiling. This is a messenger service that can release fibers into the air to wear a mask or ventilator.
Once it has been exposed, you will be able to see if your logs are in good condition, how they are run and what support system is already in place.
Judging the situation
Ideally there would be one 2X6 every 16 inches on center. In larger homes, like mine, the spacing can be erratic or closer to 24 inches on center. If your ceiling joists are stretched incorrectly, you will need to fix this problem before you can remove the attic panel. Also examine the existing beams for cracks, termite damage and fire damage. Logs that are damaged, if they have not gone further, can be rubbed together to strengthen them.
Fixing Your Space
The easiest way to fix the problem of string spacing is to use satellite joists to install the associated beams. If your space is narrow, like 18 to 24 inches on center, then you’ll want to reinforce the area by inserting additional flooring between each existing flooring. To do this, simply screw the joist to the beam or the joist cutter. Note: make sure your joist’s saddle is level and perfectly aligned with the saddle across from it and straight next to it. After the satellites are in place, your next step is to simply drop in your 2X6s and grab them.
After the rafters are secured, you will want to install a rafter to reinforce the strength of the rafters and prevent your attic floor from sagging. Bridges must be installed at the point of each game.
Outer wall Strength and strength of the foundation
Another concern about adding an attic room is whether the exterior walls and foundation can support the extra weight of the second story. If you have an older home, then it is a good idea to have a contractor come out and evaluate your property. They will see to the integrity of your foundation and the soundness of the exterior wall construction. If your foundation is in good condition, then you just need to strengthen your exterior walls before you start working on that attic room.
While many DIY programs tell you how easy it is to make your own modifications at home, it’s important to talk to your local government What your permit allows, if any, will need to be done before you begin remodeling your home. This is especially important if you will be changing structural elements of your home, either by adding electrical or plumbing elements. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
