8
Versa Lift
Opening Framing Techniques
16"
16"
17.5"
Optional Framing Technique #2 - For new home con-
struction with I-
JOISTS ON 16” CENTERS:
(This technique requires that you have additional I-Joist
of the same size as that used in your ceiling. If you do not
have additional I-Joist, see the technique on page 10.)
I-Joists differ from solid lumber in that the
“I”
shape beam
is too narrow for
“end
nailing”
when attaching one I-Joist
perpendicular to the face of another. Furthermore, the
face of an I-Joist is inset, making it less than an ideal
surface to join something to. One way to address both
problems is to install blocking on the ends of I-Joist
sections and headers. For details about using blocking,
see Figs. 14 & 17 on pages 9 & 10.
OPTIONS FOR FRAMING THE OPENING
Because I-Joists are typically
2.5”
wide (solid wood joists
are
1.5”),
cutting one I-Joist only creates a rough opening
of
29.5”
when
31”
is required (see Fig. 9). To resolve this
problem, you must either set one joist off-center by
1.5”
(see Fig. 10) -OR- you will need to cut two joists and
install a stringer in order to get the required opening
width of
31”
(see Fig. 11). Note the rough opening must
be
31”
x
59”
(½”oversize)
so that it can be paneled with
1/4”
plywood (see Fig. 12). After paneling the finished
opening will be
58.5”
x
30.5”
with smooth sidewalls.
Note: I-Joist hangers can be used instead of blocking.
Finish opening with 1/4” paneling to cover hangers
and create a smooth-sided opening (Fig. 12), then
install 2 x 2” flashing in every corner (Fig. 2b, pg.
5).
I-Joist
14.5"
O.C.
O.C.
Depending on location
and code requirements,
web stiffeners may be
required for I-Joist when
using hanger brackets.
Web Stiffener
Hanger
O.C.
O.C.
NEED TO BE DOUBLED
FOR ADDED STRENGTH
THESE JOISTS MAY
CUT 1/4" PLYWOOD AND
PANEL INSIDE OF I-JOISTS
2 EACH JOIST
29 3/4"
59"
Fig. 11
31"
INSTALL
STRINGER
31"
59"
16"
O.C.
OPTION #2:
TWO I-JOISTS ARE
CUT AND AN
I-JOIST STRINGER
IS INSTALLED
Fig. 12
30.5"
58.5"
INSTALL 2 x 2”
FLASHING INSIDE
FINISHED OPENING
58 3/4"
JOIST
2 EACH
Fig. 9
29.5"
WARNING!
CUTTING ONE I-JOIST
ON 16" CENTERS
WILL NOT PROVIDE A
31" WIDE OPENING!
MUST BE
31" WIDE!
59"
Fig. 10
OPTION #1:
ONE JOIST IS
SHIFTED 1.5"
(MORE OR LESS)
OFF-CENTER
FINISHED
OPENING
58.5
x
30.5"
