I want to make my loft opening wider...

[HomerSimpson]

I want to make my loft opening wider. It currently spans 2 ceiling joists and I want to expand it to 3 joists wide. Not wanting my roof to collapse (traditional not truss) how do I go about this?
Do I need to brace the 3rd joist across the top first before cutting it and replacing the cross member?
Advice please...

 

[masona]

Any chance of a picture ?

 

[HomerSimpson]

Sorry haven't got a photo.

It is just a standard loft opening about 2' square. I just want to make it bigger that's all.

 

[breezer]

i diont think "thats all" comes into it. I think the concern is about the roof colapsing because you want to take out what may be too much support, which is why a pic was asked for

 

[masona]

You're right breezer, I need to see the structure of the roof. Normally very straight forward and I have to remember this is a diy forum.

HomerSimpson,

If you're confident, normally we double up the ceiling joists which is known as a trimmer on the cross section and use joists hangers but I do need to see the layout.

 

[HomerSimpson]

That's fair enough...I'll try and borrow a digital camera and put a photo on.

 

[Jim_Connolly]

HomerSimpson, thinking of making my loft Access Opening wider as well- how did you get on?

__________________________
lynda, moderator

Jim_Connolly, please do not hijack old posts, (see forum rule 17) this post was made in 2004