Cutting joist (tie beam) for attic ladder

ck0 · 06-02-2018 10:57PM #1

Hi!

Can somebody explain is it safe enough to cut one joist (tie beam or truss seems to be more precise naming according to schemes. But everyone call it joist) when installing attic ladder with loft door? The distance between joists is 580mm.
Basically how it was done - frame for the loft door was installed between first and third joist by cutting second one between them. There is also a wooden bridge between first and third joists to harden the place were was the second joist. Also, wooden frame seems hard by itself. Just wondering what impact this can make to the house? Or this is the standard practice of doing that? Btw house is the new build. The job was done by Stira fitter which seems to be trusted company on Irish market.
Thanks.

ck0 · 07-02-2018 12:14AM

Below is the picture which illustrates where the joist was cut. The structure is identical.

BryanF · 07-02-2018 10:30PM

ck0 wrote: »

Hi!

Can somebody explain if its safe enough

speak to an experienced carpenter or ideally structural engineer. This type of structure is not designed to be cut. bracing & trimmer joists will be required at a minimum.

As per forum charter We can’t offer structural advice

SC024 · 09-02-2018 08:15PM

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iwillhtfu · 10-02-2018 08:35PM

Quick answer is it's not supposed to be cut.

Typical answer. It's common practice for the centre beam to be cut on a opening for a stira. Once cut you will obviously need a support between joist 1 & 3 and this will be secured to the cut joist 2 at either end of the opening which essentially becomes the structure to mount the stirs frame to.

Cutting joist (tie beam) for attic ladder

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