Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 1/17/2010

Question
Hey Bruce, I have an older home (1962) that has some previous termite damage on a ceiling joist in the attic.  They are made out of 2x4s and about a 3 foot section is completely eaten through on the ceiling joist.  It also happens to be where a vertical 2x4 goes up to support the rafters (that board is only 3 feet long and only where it connects to the ceiling joist is the integrity compromised).  It's been like this for 10 years (well before I owned the home) and I see no ill effects from the lack of support but I wanted to fix it anyway.  What is the proper way to shore it up?  I can go overkill and put a new 2x4 on both  sides of the ceiling joist and connect with lag bolts and do the same for the vertical piece but I didn't know how much was necessary/sufficient.  Thanks!

Answer
Hi Jason, as long as your splice is four feet longer than the repair it should probably be long enough.  But I would definitely sandwich both sides of the ceiling joist. Glue the splice with liquid nails and then use either deck screws or lag screws to attach it 6" on center in a zig zag pattern with lag bolts, 4" zig zag pattern with #8 deck screws.  I hope this information helps please feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com