Versa Lift
Opening Framing Techniques
9
Optional Framing Technique #3 - For new home con-
struction with I-
JOISTS ON 24” 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 (Fig. 14):
First, the block provides a thickness to the end of the I-
Joist that can be nailed into. Second, the block is offset
so that it fits into the inset in the face of the perpendicular
I-Joist. The blocking should be attached securely (Fig.
14 inset) and placed on the side opposite the opening
(the opening must not have anything projecting inward).
Another problem with I-Joists is that the recessed face
forms ledges that can hang-up on the lifting platform as it
travels downward from the attic. To resolve this problem,
the opening must be framed ½”oversized in each
dimension to 59” x 31” (Fig. 15) so that 1/4” thick
plywood can be cut (Fig. 16 inset) and used to panel all
four I-Joist faces inside the opening to produce the final
size opening of 58
½”
x 30
½”
(Fig. 16). Please note that
any nail heads in the opening must be set flush or below
the surface and decking and sheet rock must not extend
into the opening (Fig. 2a & 2c on page 5).
NOTE: These illustrations show I-Joist on
24”
centers, but
this framing procedure can also be used for
16”
centers
(page 8). As with solid wood joists, I-Joists that need to
be cut must be supported by some means until they are
connected to headers that tie them to adjacent I-Joists.
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. 16), then
install 2 x 2” flashing in every corner (Fig. 2b, pg. 5).
O.C.
CUT 1/4" PLYWOOD TO
PANEL INSIDE OF I-JOISTS
JOIST
29 3/4"
Depending on location
and code requirements,
web stiffeners may be
required for I-Joist when
using hanger brackets.
Web Stiffener
I-Joist
Hanger
58.5"
30.5"
24”
O.C.
2 EACH
31”
59”
24”
Fig. 16
58 3/4"
JOIST
2 EACH
Fig. 15
INSTALL 2 x 2” FLASHING
INSIDE FINISHED OPENING
I-JOIST/HEADER
BLOCK
BLOCK
PLACE BLOCK
USE 2" NAILS
INTO INSET
or SCREWS
THEN MARK
WOOD
OFFSET LINE
GLUE
INSET
OFFSET
OFFSET LINE
I-JOIST
I-JOIST SECTION
HEADERS
2x4" or 2x6"
BLOCKING
Fig. 14
