BridgeMan

Don't forget to throw in an "inverted reduction factor" if the joists are continuous over the interior load-bearing walls, vs. just simple span. Not likely they are, but one never knows until looking. There were a lot of old growth, large trees being harvested when the place was built.

A rough rule of thumb is the inverse of 80% (0.8), or 1.25.

kalawn

My experience with older homes like yours is that they used 2x6 ceiling house up to 18 +feet. I have done a couple things to stiffen the floor up to usable living space loads. 1-- Build a knee wall nailing the studs to the side of the rafters down to the side of the ceiling joist. 2--widen the ceiling hoist by laying another member on top of the existing hoist and gusset together with plywood. Example, stand on edge a 2x6 on top of the existing 2x6. Rip plywood strips 10 3/4" apply glue to the sides of the 2x6s and heavily nail the plywood to both 2x6s. It will pass code.

nealtw

kalawn; When you have doubled the 2x6 like this do you stop at the knee wall or do you go full length.
BTW. welcome

kalawn

You go the full length so you have bearing on the walls. The knee wall is not required if you do the hoist this way.

GBR

You may have to completely rebuild the stairway though....
Adding 2x4's to the bottom of joist- similar to an "I" beam, steel strapping wrapped around the joist, simply doubling (sistering) the joist, plywood “T” floor stiffening, LVL’s sistered, depending on purpose and application involved. http://www.finehomebuilding.com/PDF/Free/021184090.pdf
http://boards.hgtvremodels.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/4891014781/m/9591011862


Be sure to glue the groove of the T&G for maximum strength and correct application as per manufacturer of the sub-flooring.

Gary

1victorianfarmhouse

Wow, lots of great info, it takes a while for a newbie like me to absorb it all and fully understand it.

Thanks Kalawn for jumping in with great info on your first posts!

This is what I like about this forum, not only are there a number of experienced people with knowledgeable answers, but others chime in with more than one correct way to approach the issue.

vince