Loft ladder installation question

[fbac01]

Hi,

Apologies if this has already been posted, but I could not see a thread.

I'm trying to install a loft ladder. The only way that makes sense to install it is between two joists, but there is a joint where the ladder enters the loft, meaning that I can't run any loft boards across to screw the ladder in. Please see the pictures I've loaded which shows what I'm trying to explain.

I've explored running the ladder the other way but it won't clear the roof, so this is the only way in to the loft it can go. I'm reluctant to re site the loft hatch. Can anyone advise how to run a "joist" between the two joists to provide support for me as I enter and exit the loft? I've looked over the internet and noticed you can buy joist hangers, and was wondering what sort of weight (if any) they supported.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

 

[JohnD]

it's called a trimmer. What are the dimensions of your roof timbers, and what is their spacing?

I don't understand what you mean by a "joint." Do you mean the nail plate? I'm surprised there isn't one on both sides.

Some photos from inside the loft would help.

 

[fbac01]

hi John,

thanks for your reply, and apologies for the delay in my response. I've not been able to measure the roof timbers as of yet, but I attach some more pictures of the loft hatch area from inside the loft.

As you can see my knowledge is very limited. I believe you're right in that there's a nail plate in the way, and it's only on one side not both (the pictures hopefully should help). My plan was to run a loft board across the joists that run parralel to the direction of the loft ladder, and secure the loft ladder to the loft board. With the nail plate in the way, I can only butt the loft board up to this and therefore there's no support for the weight as I go up in to the loft.

Any advice you can give would be greatly appreciated. I understand I'm giving you little to go on.

Thanks

 

[alan333]

Put a piece of 3" x 2" timber between the existing joists where you need it, and nail through each joist into your new wood. Make sure your new wood fits properly or you could pull the other joists in slightly.