Add Bridging Attic Joist

Most new construction uses 2 by 8 lumber for joists although 2 by 6.

Add bridging attic joist.

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. Cut and install lumber blocking or bridging between the joists if required by local code. Floor joist bridging is critical to the structural strength of a floor as shown in figure 1. Each piece of bridging requires four nails two at each end.

Toenail the blocks or end nail through the joists to tie everything together. Bridging or x bracing allows joists to share weight. Attach the bridging fasten metal bridging with 1 3 8 in. Add weatherstripping around the perimeter and a sweep to the door of a walk up attic.

Add nails or screws if necessary. Divide the span by three and add rows of bridging at both of the one third points. Yet it is not uncommon to find bridging not properly installed or missing all together. 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.

Installing flooring material over the attic doesn t quite leave room for the recommended insulation space needed to provide efficient home energy. Put 2x8 blocks at the third points set at the midheight of the assembly and bridging the horizontal joint between top and bottom joists. Once the structure has passed the building inspection you can run electrical plumbing and mechanical lines and insulation as applicable then install plywood subflooring. Pull down stair or ladder.

Measure the width and length of the existing joist. 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. Proper bridging distributes the load on the floor to other joists and over time prevents floors from sagging and squeaking do to floor joists twisting and warping. Then measure the span of the joists the distance between walls or beams that support the joists.

Use a zippered insulated tent to keep the enclosure draft free attic tent at 7 attic cover insulator 120. Attic hatch or door. Purchase the type of lumber that matches the width of the existing joist.