Framing Attic Ceiling

The rafters are in compression pushing outward on the eaves walls and the ceiling joists are in tension pulling inward on the eaves walls.

Framing attic ceiling.

If you see a complicated framework of 2x4s held together with perforated metal plates your roof is framed with trusses. Without joists the walls can bow outward and the roof ridge line may sag. The trick in framing a vaulted ceiling is figuring out what to do with the ceiling joists. R804 3 5 roof ceiling construction framing of openings in roofs and ceilings openings in roofs and ceilings shall be framed with header and trimmer joists.

Run the plywood down to the top of the knee wall. Header joist spans shall not exceed 4 feet 1219 mm in length. When framing your ceiling if the ceiling joists are not going in the same direction as the roof rafters 2 by 4s are added running in the same direction as the rafters. Collar ties are horizontal members that like rafter ties extend from rafter to rafter but.

If you want your attic space to have a flat ceiling you ll need to add collar ties to the framing. The floor structure of an attic is also the framing for the ceiling beneath it. 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. Space these boards 4 ft.

This is made up of ceiling joists typically 2x6 or larger boards. Nail the 2 by 4s to the top of each ceiling joist with 2 16d nails. You ll have to remove the entire roof structure to vault the ceilings. First head to the attic.

As a first option in enlarging the ceiling space you can move the ceiling joists up the rafters making them collar ties as shown in the drawing below. The minimum size for an attic s access. As long as they are not damaged the joists should be strong enough to allow you to move around in the attic for an inspection and to provide storage for typical boxed items. Attic access panels serve as an important safety and convenience feature in the home.

These openings not only allow mechanical and electrical contractors to. The plywood will create a smooth strong ceiling without having to apply drywall tape and mud to the ceiling. Apart and attach the ends to the ends of the rafters.