7
Versa Lift
Installation - Optional Framing Techniques
Fig. 8
INSTALL
SECTION
JOIST
Fig. 7
x
x
x
INSTALL
HEADERS
30.5"
46.5"
30.5"
Header
1.5"
INSTALL BLOCKING
HEADER
HEADER DETAIL for 24” O.C.
HEADER DETAIL for 16” O.C.
Fig. 6
CUT
JOIST
NAIL
BLOCK
TO JOIST
INSTALL
BLOCKING
Fig. 5
4" LAG
SCREWS
TEMPORARY JOIST SUPPORTS
16”/24"
O.C.
16”
O.C.
24"
O.C.
58.5"
1.5"
RAFTER
SQUARE
CUT
61.5”
1.5"
DRAW
GUIDE
LINES
Optional Framing Technique #1
For Homes with SOLID WOOD JOISTS 16 or 24” OC:
If your attic is decked, you will need to remove some
decking to expose the joists in the area of the opening.
If your attic is not decked, nail down some plywood on
either side for a temporary work surface.
You will need temporary supports for any joist that will be
cut. One technique is shown below using two 2 x 8”
(minimum size) planks to span the adjacent joists. Each
plank is secured with 2 lag screws to the joist(s) to be cut
(Fig. 5). A framing square is used to mark guide lines for
headers and cut lines (Fig. 5 inset). After cutting the joist,
2x4” or 2x6” blocking is installed (Fig. 6 & inset).
Note: Joist hangers can be used instead of blocking.
Mark, cut, and install headers:
For joists on 16” centers:
Cut the headers 30.5” long
(Fig. 7 & inset) and install them as shown.
For joists on 24” centers:
Cut the headers 46.5” long
and install blocking (Fig.8 & inset). Install the headers.
Trim the joist section (removed in Fig. 5) to 58.5” long
and install it to finish the framed opening (Fig. 8).
REMOVE SCREWS
AND SUPPORTS
DOUBLE JOISTS
FOR STRENGTH
(IF NEEDED)
REMOVE SCREWS
AND SUPPORTS
DOUBLE JOISTS
FOR STRENGTH
(IF NEEDED)
Depending on the size and span of your joists, you may
need to double the joists on either side of the opening for
added strength as shown in Fig. 7. The sheet rock can
now be cut flush with the opening. Install decking flush to
the inside edge of the opening (not illustrated). Note that
decking and sheet rock must not extend into the opening
(see Figs. 2a & 2c on pg. 5).
Note: Joist hangers can be used instead of blocking.
Joist hangers must be covered with 2 x 2” “L” flashing
(provided) to prevent the lift platform from hanging in
the opening, causing lift malfunction or damage (see
Fig. 2b, pg. 5 for details).
Solid Wood Joist Hanger
INSIDE FINISHED OPENING
INSTALL 2 x 2” FLASHING
