Cutting Ceiling Joists

The size of the ceiling joist also is accounted for in joist spacing.

Cutting ceiling joists. How to cut ceiling joists for attic fans. Single story house built in the 1940s. 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.

Ceiling joist are 2x4. Cut 2 joist sized boards long enough to span two joists on each side of your chosen location see figure 9. Watch this video before.

Measure the distance between the full joists on either side of the cut joists. Can you cut a ceiling joist. As long as they are no longer in the ceiling sure.

They make great fire wood. These boards will support the joists that will be cut and help keep the ceiling from sagging or completely collapsing while you are working in the overhead space. Position bathroom vent fans so the ducts can run parallel to the joists right up to where they exit the house.

Cutting and or removing joists to provide an entry or access can be the most difficult part of the overall project. While you can cut one or two ceiling joists without too much hassle if you are wanting to install a ladder to access your attic or for an attic fan it is recommended that you get an engineer to walk you through the process on how to best transfer the pressure load from your roof. Cutting anything that holds up your ceiling walls or roof would require fully understanding how the house is constructed and how you avoid the whole thing collapsing.

Although 2 inch by 6 inch lumber is used most often in ceiling construction to support 5 foot by 8 foot sheetrock the material commonly used for ceilings other sizes of lumber may be used such as 2 inch by 4 inch and 2 inch by 8 inch lumber. If you need to cut through a joist firm up the floor as shown in fig. Ceiling joist are support by a wall that runs roughly down the middle of the house.