Cutting Joists In Attic Without Damaging Drywall

Can truss members be cut.

Cutting joists in attic without damaging drywall. It is held in place by the ceiling joists which inside the attic become the floor joists. These problems must be addressed firsthand prior to implementing any restoration steps. Measure the length of the old joists and note how much they overhang any supporting walls or beams and the exterior walls. I have seen situations where someone wants to build a room in an attic that has existing trusses.

Make pencil marks on the joists you will be removing. In order to maintain the support integrity of the ceiling or floor joist or rafter system it is important that if joists are cut that the load that was bearing on those joists be transferred to a modified support system. If you are not going to remove the insulation you. Yes you can typically cut through joists but you must make some additions known as trimmers and headers to the framing as well.

Most often floor joists need to be sistered because of two problems either water damage which leads to rot or termite damage that crumbled the joist. If you were to remove all the insulation you would see the drywall or plaster of the ceiling below nothing more. Jacking them up too fast may cause cracks in the walls and floors overhead. If you are removing only one joist make a mark on each end 1 1 2 inches wider than the rough opening.

Cut both ends perpendicular to the joists and then down the middle. If the attic were designed as living space those ceiling joists would become floor joists and be much bigger. Both pieces should come out without damaging the painted surface. Nailing two 2x4s together will work to span about three joists unless the sag is under a weight bearing wall.

The easiest way to do this is by building a rafter system from inside the attic in the area to be modified. This is best done from the attic. The ceiling joists will not hold much weight being only 2x4 s. Tack a beam under the sagging joists.

If there was water damage make sure that whatever leaky pipe or condensation issue caused the rot is fixed. A day until they re level. Without knowing anything about the readers house framing it s hard to say. Note that the trimmers run the whole length of the joists in place.

The answer is maybe. Measure the old joists. The top corners at the outside ends of the joists may be cut at an angle to fit under the roof decking. That s a big size and strength difference between the two types of attic joists even if the joist spacing is the same.

Ceiling joists are typically 2 8 lumber floor joists are usually 2 10 or 2x 12 lumber. You should now be able to press up and get a clean break score the other piece from the top and do the same. Cutting and or removing joists to provide an entry or access can be the most difficult part of the overall project.