I recently purchased a house that was built in 1955, and in 2021, my father and I converted the open frame garage into a finished space. We added drywall to the walls, installed more outlets, and created a ceiling by adding additional joists and lights. We even put plywood on top of the joists to create a storage area in the attic. Now, four years later, I've noticed some paint cracks around the drywall seams, which I suspect are just due to the tape, particularly since I live in Southern California where summers get really hot. My main concern is about the safety and load-bearing capacity of the joists, as the floor above does shake a bit when I walk on it. I'm looking for some input based on the pictures of the joists that I've linked. Did we install enough and appropriate joists for the storage we want to use?
2 Answers
From what I can see, it looks like you've used 2x6s placed about 24 inches apart, and with a span of around 16 feet. Normally, those 2x6s are designed to carry lightweight loads, so they might not be suitable for storage, especially since the max span for a 40 lb live load is only about 7 feet for that spacing. It’s concerning that the joists seem to be cut to fit into the roof’s angles instead of being anchored properly to the walls. I’d recommend checking out some span charts for 2x6s to find the maximum safe loading and possibly reinforcing your setup with additional joists if you plan to store anything heavier. Do keep the load light and away from the center for safety!
Definitely sounds like you want to be cautious here. Those joists aren't really intended for heavy storage, especially given the span you’ve got. The shaking when you walk on it is a red flag! If it were me, I’d recommend reinforcing the structure by adding more joists or considering a lighter option for storage. Better safe than sorry!
Are there any specific brands or types of joists you’d suggest for reinforcement?
If you're looking for a solution, adding additional joists might be worthwhile. You could even consult a structural engineer for advice on how to best reinforce your space without risking safety.