Ceiling joist

[kevinS762]

Looking for some advice/recommendations. My garage is 21’ by 25’. The ceiling joists are 2x8x21’ that are 16” on center.

I would like to install drop down stairs to gain access to the space to utilize for storage.

Right now, there is no weight in the attic space and I can already see some of the beams sagging. It’s also noticeable on the Sheetrock where some of the beams are sagging.

What can I do to reinforce the joists in order to utilize the space. Ultimately I would like to lay down plywood and store basic stuff. I don’t want to worry about sagging and questioning if there’s too much weight up there.

Thank you in advance.

 

[lonestarky]

Not much you can do to improve the strength for sagging, other than tie them to the structure above. If you're storing light stuff, just throw some 1/2 ply down. Youll be ok. I would rather do that than run vertical sections to your rafters or ridge. You could run collar beams between the rafters to add queen posts and kind of truss it up, but then you're limiting space, and hanging more weight off the ridge.

 

[Firebrick43]

You can not store anything on those joist. At that length they are for a 5 psf load, basically drywall and insulation only.

You would have to sister 2"x12" floor joist on 16 inch centers to have a 30 psf storage load. Or place a support beam or wall under the ceiling joist down the middle to reduce the span.

Any other modifications will need and engineer.

 

[KenC]

Yeah, those are marginal for any added load. But, you can help a bit by adding a strong-back on top of the joists. Won't really add much load capacity, but will definitely help with the sagging you have now.
Every stick built roof I've seen that was built in the 70s or older had them.
Simple to install by laying a 2x6 flat on top center of the existing joists. Block under it at the top plate at both ends to transfer some load to the wall. Use ring shank nails driven at opposing angles, 4 per joist. Jack the existing joists up so they are slightly crowned up in the center. I use a temporary wall under the ceiling, just a board at the top to project the sheetrock, and temp studs cut slightly long. Now add a vertical 2x to the side of the 2x6, sides if you want. Nail it every 12 inches and tow-nail to the joists also, with ringshank.

Remove temp supports. The ceiling should now be flat. And maybe support some light storage. You can do a bounce/deflection test to determine that.

 

[Old Moparz]

Yeah, those are marginal for any added load. But, you can help a bit by adding a strong-back on top of the joists. Won't really add much load capacity, but will definitely help with the sagging you have now.
Every stick built roof I've seen that was built in the 70s or older had them.
Simple to install by laying a 2x6 flat on top center of the existing joists. Block under it at the top plate at both ends to transfer some load to the wall. Use ring shank nails driven at opposing angles, 4 per joist. Jack the existing joists up so they are slightly crowned up in the center. I use a temporary wall under the ceiling, just a board at the top to project the sheetrock, and temp studs cut slightly long. Now add a vertical 2x to the side of the 2x6, sides if you want. Nail it every 12 inches and tow-nail to the joists also, with ringshank.

Remove temp supports. The ceiling should now be flat. And maybe support some light storage. You can do a bounce/deflection test to determine that.

Reminds me of what was being done in this method that I posted ages ago....

Strengthening Joists

I ran across this topic on another forum & thought some of you might want to read it over for your own projects. One place it looks like it would help out in, is the garage ceiling. It might increase the ceiling joist strength so you could get an increased load capacity in attic storage...

www.garagejournal.com

Be prepared for the naysayers to chime in.

 

[Zeke]

There should be a sticky for ceiling joist posts. Same ol' question day by day and another one post wonder.

 

[Firebrick43]

Reminds me of what was being done in this method that I posted ages ago....

Strengthening Joists

I ran across this topic on another forum & thought some of you might want to read it over for your own projects. One place it looks like it would help out in, is the garage ceiling. It might increase the ceiling joist strength so you could get an increased load capacity in attic storage...

www.garagejournal.com

Be prepared for the naysayers to chime in.

That method works very well if you use good glue and structural screws. If it slips at all it’s not going to help.

While it might help the sagging especially any additional amount, it’s still not enough to allow for storage like the op wants to do.

 

[BigGarage]

There should be a sticky for ceiling joist posts. Same ol' question day by day and another one post wonder.

It hasn't even been 24 hours since his post, chillax dude. I thought it was a prank as soon as I read it but I've been wrong 3 or 4 times...........................out of about 50.

Dennis

 

[Firebrick43]

Chillax?

 

[strutaeng]

Chillax?

Chillax Calm Sleep Supplement, 8 in 1 formula Melatonin, L-Theanine, Zinc, Vitamin D3, Elderberry, Sleep Aid Capsules, Gluten Free, Vegan, Non-GMO, 60 Capsules https://www.amazon.com/dp/B095HYPNNQ?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Zeke]

It hasn't even been 24 hours since his post, chillax dude. I thought it was a prank as soon as I read it but I've been wrong 3 or 4 times...........................out of about 50.

Dennis

Yep.

 

[kbuhagiar]

Chillax?

Chill + Relax = Chillax

 

[firebirdparts]

Tie to the roof is what I would do.