[dohertyd]

I have a room my gargae and I installed a pull down starcase to use the area as storage in the attic. I found that the ceiling was spanned with 2x6 joist the entire length about 24'. I don't feel the exsitng ceiling can support storage as is. I am looking for ways to support the ceilng without cutting the ceiling. I was thing of running 2 or 3 5x6 or 2x8 in the opposite directing and connecting to the outter wall. Then spport hangers. Any ideas?

[ballengerb1]

You would be much better off installing extra 2x6s sistered to the existing 2x6. Glue and screw them together to make a 4x6 beam. The area you cut open for the pull down needs special attention with headers at each end of the stiar opening, did you already do that?

[ma0641]

24 ft is quite a long span for a 2X6 even if it is just holding up the ceiling. You could try a "strongback" which is quite common in attics. Screw or nail a 2X4 across the joists in the middle then screw or nail 2X6's into the side of the 2X4 to make an "U" shaped box beam. If you are flooring the attic, use as thin a plywood or OSB as possible so you don't add a lot more dead load.

[creahands]

If u have a pitched roof, this will help with support.

U should have collar beams 1/3 the distance from ridge to floor. Glue and bolt a 2x6 from bottom of collar beam to 8 feet from wall. Do this on both sides. Do every 3rd floor floor beam.

Use this in conjunction with strong back described in previous post. U will need 2 strong backs each made with 1 2x4 and 1 2x6.

This will give u a truss effect with floor being supported by roof rafters.

Chuck