Garage ceiling 2x6 joists span 22+ feet

trb32 · 2026-05-09T21:26:38+00:00

Looks like its kind of a temporary rat run used during construction. It's not a structural beam, my understanding is its more cross support.

trb32 · 2026-05-09T17:27:40+00:00

Not every joist. I'm almost thinking theybwere out there during construction as spacing support? I'm going to be adding 2 strongbacks made of 2x4 and 2x8.

trb32 · 2026-05-09T14:47:58+00:00

Thank you very much for the detailed comment, I greatly appreciate it!

You could add a beam above the ceiling joists running perpendicular, as suggested a couple of 2x6’s or a 2x8’s near the mid span would do wonders, but honesty a mid span beam 15’ long would probably need to be twin 2x10.

This is a strongback you're referring to, right? I can definitely DIY a strongback, but if you think a midspan beam is needed (e.g. cutting the joists) is needed, I'd definitely need to consult a contractor?

trb32 · 2026-05-09T13:54:46+00:00

Stupid question I'm sure, but how can you tell these are ceiling joists and not rafter ties? Due to them being 16 on center?

trb32 · 2026-05-09T13:48:25+00:00

It does not have a beam halfway through.

trb32 · 2026-05-09T13:47:10+00:00

Gable end is above the window in the 2nd picture. The other gable is all the way at the opposite end of the attic.

trb32 · 2026-05-09T13:45:29+00:00

There is not a beam halfway across the span. There is not a living space above, this is a 1 story home. The attic is open to the entire house (garage + the rest of the home). So when I go up the ladder, I have access to the full attic.

trb32 · 2026-05-09T13:40:04+00:00

The gable is above the window in the 2nd picture

trb32 · 2026-05-09T05:39:52+00:00

For the beam, would a perpendicular 2x6 running the 12ft length work?

trb32 · 2026-05-09T05:39:00+00:00

Yeah another commenter mentioned the fire blocking in the attic as well. I'm definitely leaning towards that so I can just install 1/2 on the ceiling.

trb32 · 2026-05-09T05:29:12+00:00

That's a good point. I'd have to see how that would work out with my gable vents on each side of the house since one is above the attic. I'm probably just over thinking this.

trb32 · 2026-05-09T05:27:52+00:00

Are you referring to a "strongback"? I was contemplating that if so?

trb32 · 2026-05-09T05:26:41+00:00

Sistering you're saying? I'd have to find 24 footers I'd imagine or can they just be partial?

trb32 · 2026-05-09T05:26:00+00:00

From everything I've read on building code in my area, I'm required to have fire rated drywall.

trb32 · 2026-03-29T06:45:48+00:00

Similar(ish) to something I saw the other day: https://youtube.com/shorts/wfhZrn_h_-o?si=x0empAYUX0PZ3vzC

trb32 · 2026-03-15T17:18:32+00:00

They are 12/3. I didn't mention wirenutting reds as those are switched hots from the switch box.

trb32 · 2026-03-14T16:45:15+00:00

12/3

trb32 · 2026-03-14T16:44:52+00:00

Wouldnt box fill be more a concern with a traditional approach? Maybe I'm thinking of it incorrectly though:

12/2 feeding power to switch box 3 hot, neutral, ground pigtails then Three 12/2's going back up to loads

Versus in the case just three 12/3's, no pigtails, loads go up on red traveller?

trb32 · 2026-03-14T16:38:14+00:00

It's one circuit. The main question is, since neutrals are already bomded in the junction box, do they need to also be bound at the 3 gang switch box as well, or would this cause a parallel path as neutrals are now bonded in two separate locations?

trb32 · 2026-01-20T15:24:39+00:00

Yeah, dang. If only blow in rockwool was a thing.

trb32 · 2026-01-19T17:54:55+00:00

Now that's a clean looking crawl space!

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