Will i have to replace the cieling joists with floor joists?
2007-02-15 23:25:18 · 7 answers · asked by paulturner1974 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
Certainly in large measure it depends on your design for use of the area. Load limits have to be considered.
If there is nothing but joists you'd need a sub floor, which after knowing the load limit, will disperse the weight somewhat. You'll also be best to use an underlayment on the sub floor, for the new install.
Knowing the structure and design of the loft and room beneath is most important. Certainly houses built with "space" above a room, can support people who may have to service the space, IE: Insualtion/AC/Electrical contractors, but may not be strictly designed to support a second level living situation.
Steven Wolf
Some research as to the structure beneath the loft space is advisable. Is the "loft" level over SINGLE level or might it be the "third" floor?
2007-02-16 01:07:36 · answer #1 · answered by DIY Doc 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably no, but you will need a sub-floor. You can not lay plank flooring directly on the joist, your floor will not be strong enough. Whether you need to replace the joist depends on what size they are and if they can support the additional load of the planned space. You need to talk to a structural engineer or a contractor. They need to inspect your home to see what the original design is and if the existing joists are strong enough.
2007-02-18 15:26:52 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, provided you are only going to use the loft for storage. The panels will help spread the load - especially your own weight, which will bear down on only one joist if you don't have flooring up there, and maybe start cracks in the ceilings below. If you want to do a loft conversion, and create a "habitable room up there, you will (in the UK) by law need to involve your Council's Building Inspector, and the joists will almost certainly need to be strengthened.
Tips - screw the panels down (hammering nails in might cause cracks below) and watch out for lamps inset into the ceiling - they may need to be in free air, to prevent overheating.
2007-02-16 20:29:57 · answer #3 · answered by andrew f 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the age of the house. With old houses the ceiling joists may well have to be replaced, but if you have modern trussed rafters you should be OK. Just make sure you have enought loft insulation and that you don't crush it.
2007-02-16 10:24:02 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on how much weight is going up there! Storage - then probably OK - if you plan to spend a lot of time up there and it is going to be supporting constant heavy weight you may have to consider re-joisting especially if it is a relatively new house!
2007-02-16 07:29:56 · answer #5 · answered by jamand 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have put loft panels down in every house i have owned and just but them up on the joists, i only keep stuff up there where is there no room in the house ie, christmas stuff, suitcases, boxes of ornaments. like the las person who answered your question if you are planning on using it as another room and spen alot of time up there and there will be alot of weight they may need replacing
2007-02-16 07:49:49 · answer #6 · answered by Les T 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is OK to lay boards in the loft for storage any thing over 5 x 2 inch timber should be OK to support a small room with not alot of furniture depending on the support of the walls bellow but if u go onto any timber suppliers web site there will be a span chart that gives you the dimensions of the the timber and the span they will cross
2007-02-18 09:51:25 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋