Strengthening Roof Joists

Strengthening existing roof rafters is a difficult process that often requires professional help.

Strengthening roof joists. Joists and orient panel ends over joists. Choose ring shank nails or screws that are long enough to penetrate the joists by 11 2 in and space them every 6 in. Long spans of joists in newer homes may wobble or bounce from foot traffic. How to strengthen beams using plywood.

Laminated and single piece beams are often reinforced with plywood. To prevent sag in 2x6 s and strengthen at same time you could secure lengths of stainless steel or galvanized cable attach at each end of individual ceiling joists have cable go over a one or two spreaders or strut projecting down from the underside of the ceiling joist maybe 12 14 or so as not to lose too much headroom these could. You can however strengthen the joists. Snow increases the overall weight of your roof adding to the forces acting on your rafters.

When installing on the underside of the joists the process is the same. As incremental parts of a building s structure joists are not easily replaced. Add an additional row of fas teners midway between the joists to pull the layers tightly together. If the attic joists are not adequate one way to strengthen the floor for live loads is to sister the old joists.

In the case of 2x6 joists you can pair them up with additional 2x6 joists by nailing them together side by side.