Sistering is the process of adding a new joist next to each existing joist.
Attic joists live load.
Use span tables for progressively heavier loads until you find the limits of your floor.
Strengthening attic joists for live loads by sistering.
An inaccessible attic space on the other hand might have a live load of only 20 psf.
Consult local building codes for snow load capacity and reference the span tables for joists and rafters published by the american wood council awc.
Where they connect to both the top and bottom joists each gusset pair will transfer approximately 100 pounds that s 50 psf of floor load times the 3 foot gusset spacing times the 16 inch joist spacing divided by the two joists.
2attic loads may be included in the floor live load but a 10 psf attic load is typically used only to size ceiling joists adequately for access purposes.
Span calculator for wood joists and rafters also available for the android os.
Live load psf dead load psf span calculator for wood joists and rafters available for the iphone.
In the case of 2x6 joists you can pair them up with additional 2x6 joists by nailing them together.
Use six 10d nails with plywood gussets or six 16d nails with 2x4s half into each 2x6 joist.
There are also factors such as deflection elasticity and wood species that come in to play.
A room used solely for sleeping might need to carry only 30 psf whereas a garage floor over a basement would need 50 psf or higher.
If the attic joists are not adequate one way to strengthen the floor for live loads is to sister the old joists.
In this case your joists are adequate to support a 30 psf live load and 10 psf dead load.
First floor live loads have higher requirements than second floor live loads 40 pounds per square foot vs.
Standard joist spacing for the installation of attic flooring materials is 16 inches on center oc meaning the distance from the center of one joist to the center of the next joist is 16 inches.
Loads should be determined in accordance with this chapter.
Attic ceiling joists with limited storage.
Snow and wind loads.