However if the attic is intended for storage the attic live load or some portion should also be considered for the design of.
Loads for attic.
If the attic joists are not adequate one way to strengthen the floor for live loads is to sister the old joists.
First floor live loads have higher requirements than second floor live loads 40 pounds per square foot vs.
When used for storage only dead load of attic floor not floored 10 lbs.
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.
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.
Live load on attic floor local requirements.
Loads should be determined in accordance with this chapter.
In the case of 2x6 joists you can pair them up with additional 2x6 joists by nailing them together.
If your existing attic flooring isn t adequate for conversion to a living space all is not lost.
An inaccessible attic space on the other hand might have a live load of only 20 psf.
Ft dead load of roof of wood shingle construction 10 lbs.
Virtually any attic floor can be brought up to code it s just a matter of how much.