How to: Bracing for Attic Space

Attic spaces are commonly used for storage of various household items, like holiday decorations, that won't fit in closets or the garage or basement. Attic spaces are also where insulation is installed, where electrical cables are run and where the roof support beams (or rafters) are located. If a section of the roof appears to be sagging, it may be because en extra rafter or wood bracing needs to be installed. Installing a section or two of bracing in the attic space will take an hour or two.

Tape measure
Pencil
Saw
Several pieces of two-by-four beams
Saw horses
Hammer
Framing nails

Instructions

- 1
  Inspect the attic area and determine how many pieces of lumber will be needed for installation. If you only are going to brace a small section, a single 6-foot piece of two-by-four may be sufficient. If you want to brace a larger section, more pieces will be needed.
- 2
  Use a tape measure to measure the distance between the rafter, or rafters, that will be braced and the floor joist.
- 3
  Set the two-by fours on two saw horses and mark the measurements needed for the braces. Saw the beams to the size needed for the braces.
- 4
  Place the top of the brace against the side of the rafter and hammer it into place with the framing nail. Hammer the bottom end of the wood brace to the bottom floor joist. Continue this process until all the braces needed are in place.

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