Add Bridging Attic Joist

Divide the span by three and add rows of bridging at both of the one third points.

Add bridging attic joist.

Attic hatch or door. Purchase the type of lumber that matches the width of the existing joist. Cut and install lumber blocking or bridging between the joists if required by local code. Once the structure has passed the building inspection you can run electrical plumbing and mechanical lines and insulation as applicable then install plywood subflooring.

You could even possibly introduce a good crown to each by holding the bottom chord in place with a slightly long 2 4 post under the center as you install it. Toenail the blocks or end nail through the joists to tie everything together. Start by making sure the original bridging is tightly fastened. Pull down stair or ladder.

Then measure the span of the joists the distance between walls or beams that support the joists. Most new construction uses 2 by 8 lumber for joists although 2 by 6. Attach the bridging fasten metal bridging with 1 3 8 in. A raised platform of lumber in dimensions of 2 4 or 2 6 with insulation placed between joists and covered up with a 12 inch plywood helps build the right flooring.

What i would do is to add a 2 4 to the top and bottom of each joist using glue and structural screws to convert each joist into an i joist in place piffin writes. Use a zippered insulated tent to keep the enclosure draft free attic tent at 7 attic cover insulator 120. Installing flooring material over the attic doesn t quite leave room for the recommended insulation space needed to provide efficient home energy. Add nails or screws if necessary.

Yet it is not uncommon to find bridging not properly installed or missing all together. Floor joist bridging is critical to the structural strength of a floor as shown in figure 1. If the existing joist system is very close to being sufficient to support a new attic flooring the addition of bridging between the joists may be all that s required. Each piece of bridging requires four nails two at each end.

Bridging or x bracing allows joists to share weight. Add weatherstripping around the perimeter and a sweep to the door of a walk up attic. Measure the width and length of the existing joist.