Broken garage joists

RBoncelet · 11-03-2006, 02:21 PM

High guys,

This is my first post. I have a two car garage in my yard. It has cynder block walls. It has a gable roof.
The people before me tried to put storage on top of the 20' 2x4s.
This must have broken and fallen down to the ground.
There are missing joists and patched ones.
The joists rest on top of the cynder block walls.
Is there any way of putting new joists on top of the cynder block walls? or is there another way to fix it?
Maybe bigger stronger ones would be better.

Roger

troubleseeker · 11-03-2006, 07:20 PM

You should be able to put new joists in place by laying them on the flat then rolling them up. The first one will take a few tries to determine the maxinum length you can get in.You really need at least 2x8 for this span, but may not have enough room for this depth. Look into using plywood gussetts with the smaller joists , and making them into simple trusses, to help with the future sagging.

RBoncelet · 11-04-2006, 11:24 PM

If I try to use 2x8s on this 20' span, I may trim the corners if it don't fit right, can I put two or three together to support a block and tackle for pulling motors once in a while?

How about 2x6s if the 2x8s don't fit?

Easy

North Country · 11-05-2006, 12:40 AM

This could be remedied by using 2-built up 2x10 beams with a sheathed kneewall in between running plate to plate. Be sure to use hurricane ties to attach the rafters to them, rather than notch the 2x4 rafters. 20' is too long of a span for 2x8's. As for the winch you would want to attach this to Glu-lams at least, if not an iron beam, definitely not your rafters.

RBoncelet · 11-05-2006, 01:18 AM

I meant trim the joists if I don't fit between the cinder block and the roof. I'm not going to notch the rafters.

The hoist was an idea, I'm not going to go crazy with it because it is only once in a while. I can definately live without it.

Guys remember this is a DIY repair of what the previous owner did.
I'm not going to do major storage. I might put my christmas stuff and and some of my patio furniture up there.

North Country · 11-05-2006, 01:55 AM

I am understanding what you mean by cutting if they dont fit, just trying to suggest an easier method to prevent future problems. The kneewall effectively breaks the span in half, (which is really still too long for a 2x4), but it'll work.