I’ve done some searching but I’ve still been unable to completly answer my questions, so here goes.
In the kitchen (14′ by 16′) of one of my soon-to-be rentals (almost completely gutted at the moment) there is an approx 2″ sag over the 14′ span. House was built in the 20’s, so go figure they are 2x4s. The ceiling is comprised of the 2×4’s at 24 o.c. (yuck), and 3/4″ thick rough-cut T&G.
Because of the relatively small deflection, would it be possible to brace/jack/whatever the sagging area up to level, sister in new ceiling joists (2×8’s?), and then toss up some new sheetrock? Or do I need to tear it all out, which of course I would rather not do, but of course this stuff never happens how I want it to.
Oh, and if everyone advocates me starting from scratch, I would remove the T&G, then put the new joists in and THEN remove the old ones, correct?
Replies
I've got a smaller sag in one of our rooms that was originally a porch and has a joist pattern that's kind of hard to believe - a lot of joists coming in to meet in the middle of the ceiling, also 2x4.
I haven't done this yet, but one of the carpenters at work assures me that installing a strongback from the bearing wall on one side of the room to the outside wall, and tying the joists to it, will probably support the ceiling (after jacking the deflection out, of course).
If you can get to the attic above that room, I'd try sistering in new joists before I tore everything out.
If you can get to the topside of the ceiling, you should be able to jack it up and sister 2x8's to the existing. Make sure the 2x4's aren't warped, as opposed to sagging. Either way, it'll be a lot straighter than it is now.
"I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
This is what I wanted to hear, I'll be on it tomorrow. Thanks to both of you.
Just adding a little conclusion to this project- jacked it up, got the new ceiling joists in, let it all down and it stayed level, then let out a sigh of relief. -Thanks again.