Versalift 32 User manual

INSTALLER: Deliver this booklet to the Home Owner!
Attic Storage Lifting System
INSTALLATION GUIDE
All Models 32
Protected By
US Patent8,418,814
US Patent8,851,238
US Patent8,702,069
CONTENTS Page
Safety Facts ................... 2
Overview......................... 3
Electrical ....................... 4
Lift Opening Specs...... 4-6
Framing Techniques.... 7-10
Carton Contents ............. 11
Assembly and
Installation............... 12-19
IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ YOUR OWNERS MANUAL!
The manual includes essential safety and maintenance
information. Read manual before operating the Versa Lift!
Copyright ©
2006 - 2019 BPG
All rights reserved.
Revised March 2019

! WARNING
! WARNING
BEFORE INSTALLING THIS LIFT:
Verify that this product and its installation does not violate
local building codes. Youcan find out this information
from a local building inspector, architect, structural
engineer, or your buildingcontractor.
Find out if there are any code restrictions on what types
of things you can store in your attic.
Getprofessional adviceand estimates onframing,
decking and assembly if you are not qualified or
physically able to do these tasks. You can find building
contractors, remodeling contractors, architects,
engineers and inspectors in the Yellow Pages.
Youareresponsiblefordeterminingthesuitabilityofthis
product for your individual purposes, as well as installing
itin a waythat meetslocal building andsafetycodes.
Two persons are required to
perform certain tasks in this guide for safer and
easier installation. Performing these tasks alone is
not recommended.
Versa Lift
INSTALLATION OVERVIEW:
1. FRAME THE OPENING:
The first step to installing your new Versa Lift is preparing
an opening in the ceiling wheretheliftwill belocated.
Tools/Materials Required: Saws, Drill-Driver, Hammer,
Nails or Screws, Framing Square, Tape Measure, Header
& Joist Lumber to match your existing joists.
Skill Level: Professional - Only attempt this part of the
installationyourselfifyouareskilledinconstruction-type
framing.Ifyouarenot,youshouldhireaVersaLiftdealer
or a building/remodeling contractor to do this job for you.
Before cutting any ceiling joist, consult a contractor or
structural engineer to determine the best location to
install your lift. Also, if your attic is not already decked,
get some advice on the best areas to add decking in your
attic for storage.
2. FLOORING AN ATTIC SPACE:
If your attic is not already floored in the area where your
Versa Lift will be installed, then flooring material such as
plywoodmust be addedontopof the ceiling joiststo
makea floor thatyoucan walkon andstoreitemson.
Tools/Materials Required: Skill Saw, Hammer and Nails
or Screws and Power Driver, Framing Square, Tape
Measure, and Decking Material.
Skill Level: Handyman - If you have skill with general
carpentry tools (sawing, measuring, nailing or screwing)
and the physical strength to move large pieces of wood,
then you can do this part yourself with a helper. ( You can
get 4 x 4-ft. or 2 x 8-ft. pre-cut plywood at most lumber
stores. It is much easier to handle than 4 x 8-ft sheets.)
3. ASSEMBLE AND INSTALL THE LIFT:
The Versa Lift comes partially assembled. The cartons
contain all of the parts and fastening hardware, along
with detailed instructions in this guide for assembly.
Tools/Materials Required: A Power Drill-Driver, 5/32”
Drill Bit, Phillips Driver Bit, Socket Driver Bit, Tape
Measure, Square, Level, Phillips Screwdriver, 3/8” & 7/16”
Wrenches, and 3/8” & 7/16” Sockets and Ratchet.
Skill Level: Handyman - If you have the skill for general
repair and maintenance using hand tools and can read
and follow instructions, then you can do this part yourself
with a helper.
3
READ THIS BEFORE INSTALLING THE VERSA LIFT
VERSA LIFT SPECIFICATIONS:
General Specifications (All Models 32)
Dimensions 34W x 69L x 60H
Vertical Attic Space Req’d. 60” Min.
Max. Joist Height 18”
Lift Opening Size 30.5 x 58.5”
Motor 0.6 hp
Voltage 120 VAC
Power 5 amps
Lift Capacity Max. 250 lbs.
Lifting Speed 8 in/sec
DutyCycle(minutes) 2 on / 4 off
Lifting Cables (2) .093 (7x19)
Shipping Wt. (approx) 220 lbs.
Model Floor-to Floor
32......................................................................8-11 ft.
32H..................................................................11-14 ft.
32HX...............................................................14-17 ft.
32HXX.............................................................17-20 ft.
Control Options
Handheld Remote...............(keylock and 15-ft cord)
Wall Mounted Switch Set....(downstairs has keylock)
Wireless Remote........(with powerful Radio Receiver)
!

4
Versa Lift Opening Installation Specs
ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS:
ELECTRICAL OUTLET:
Youwill need a single 120 volt AC groundedelectrical
outlet to plug in the Versa Lift power cord. It is highly
recommended that the outlet be on the same switched
circuitasthelightinginyouratticso thatwhentheattic
lights are turned off, the power to the Versa Lift is also
turned off. This arrangement will be more convenient for
you andwill prevent unintended operation ofthelift.
The power cord provided with this product has three blades.
The longest blade is the grounding blade (Fig. 1a). The
shorter flat blades are the current carrying blades. Youwill
need agrounded power outlet (receptacle) asshownbelow
(Fig. 1a). If your outlet does not have a grounded receptacle
for a three blade plug or if you are unsure if your outlet is
correctly grounded, have a qualified electrician check the
outlet (receptacle) to make sure it meets local codes.
Incorrect grounding puts you at risk of electrical shock.
Never modify the equipment plug to fit a two blade outlet
(receptacle)!
If you use an extension cord, it must be a heavy duty three-
wire type with a three blade grounding plug and matching
grounded outlet (receptacle) like those shown in Fig. 1a
and rated for at least twice the load (10 amps minimum).
LIFT OPENING SPECIFICATIONS:
VERTICAL ATTIC SPACE:
The Versa Lift requires a minimum of 60” of vertical space
directly over the lift opening (Fig. 1b).
OPENING DIMENSION & TOLERANCES:
The final opening size is 30½” x 58½” with a tolerance of
+1/2” and -0” (the opening can be up to 1/2” larger, but
no smaller.)The lift opening must be square as shown
below (Fig. 1c). Diagonal Ashould equal Bwithin1/2”.
LIFT OPENING FINISH:
The lift opening must have smooth, perpendicular side
walls. No nail heads, brackets, sheet rock or decking
can protrude or extend into the opening, as this will
cause the lifting platform to become caught on those
edgesandtheliftwillmalfunction.(SeeFigs.2a,b,& c).
120VAC GROUNDED POWER OUTLET
CURRENT
CARRYING
BLADES
GROUNDING BLADE
IS THE LONGEST OF
THE THREE BLADES
Fig. 1a
7.75”
11"
MOTORPROJECTS 58”
11”ON ONE END! 30°
32.5"
60”
MIN.
38.5"
LIFT OPENING
REQUIRES 60” MIN.
OF VERTICAL SPACE
Fig. 1b
LIFT OPENING MUST BE SQUARE (A = B ± 1/2”)
90° 90°
DIM. DIM.
"A" "B"
58.5"
90° 90°
30.5"
Fig. 1c
control transmitter or from another transmitter
in your area. Unintended operation can cause
the lifting platform to move unexpectedly,
possibly causing injury to persons or damage
to property located directly under the lift.
!
!
WARNING
Toprevent unintendedlift operation,
youmust turn thepower switch off, unplug the power
cord, or disconnect the powerwhennot inuse! The
wirelessmodel radio is active ifthe lifthaspower and
isturned onand can operate the liftwhenever a
codedsignalis received from the VersaLift remote

Fig. 2
LIFT OPENING SPECIFICATIONS (Cont) :
OPENINGS IN SOLID WOOD JOISTS:
Whenceilingjoistsaresolidwood,thefinishedopening
must be 30½” x 58½” with smooth side walls. The side
walls must be square (perpendicular) so that the opening
doesnotget smalleratthe bottom. Thesheetrockand
decking must be cut flush to walls (see Fig. 2a).
There must be no protrusions inside the opening: All
nail heads must be set flush or below the surface. If joist
hanger brackets are used, the 2”x2” L-flashing (provided)
mustbeinstalledin the cornersof theopeningto cover
the hanger brackets and nail heads (see Fig. 2b below).
LIFT OPENING WITH SOLID WOOD JOISTS
#17 x 1” nails, placing nails within 1/4” from each
edge(Fig. 2b & Inset). The flashing strips are strongly
recommended to finish all openings, even I-Joist openings
that are paneled with 1/4” plywood. The flashing strips
not only cover nail head and brackets, they alsoprovide
aslipperyprotectivesurfaceto guidethe lifting
platform through the opening and will reduce paint
wear on the liftingframe.
OPENINGS IN FABRICATED JOISTS:
When ceiling joists are “I-Joists” instead of solid wood,
the rough opening size should be 31 x 59”, ½” larger in
eachdimension,toallow spaceto panelthejoistswith
1/4” thick plywood (Fig. 2c). The 1/4” paneling will
provide the required smooth walls and cover any joist
FINISHED OPENING
SIZE IS 30.5" x58.5"
INSTALL 2 x 2” FLASHING
INSIDE FINISHED OPENING
CUT SHEET ROCK
FLUSH WITH OPENING
INSTALL DECKING
FLUSH WITH OPENING
HOLE SIDE WALLS MUST
BE SMOOTH AND SQUARE.
SET NAIL HEADS FLUSH.
hanger brackets. When paneled, the finished opening
size will be 30½”x 58½”. The side walls must be square
(perpendicular) and all nail heads must be set flush or
below thesurface. Cut all sheet rock and deckingflush
with the edges of the opening. (See pgs. 8-10 onI-joists.)
Install the 2”x2” L-flashing (provided) in the corners of the
opening to cover nail heads and provide a smooth non-
abrasiveguide-wayforthelifting platform (seeFig. 2b).
LIFT OPENING WITH "I-JOIST" FABRICATED JOISTS
Fig. 2a
WARNING!: TO PREVENT LIFT
MALFUNCTION, THE OPENING
SIDEWALLS MUST BE SMOOTH
WITH NO PROTRUDING NAILS,
BRACKETS, SHEETROCK, ETC.
ROUGH-IN OPENING 31 x 59”
THEN PANEL 4 SIDES WITH
1/4" PLYWOOD. THE FINISHED
OPENING SIZE IS 30.5" x 58.5"
INSTALL DECKING
FLUSH WITH OPENING
HOLE SIDE WALLS MUST
BE SMOOTH AND SQUARE.
INSTALL 2 x 2” “L” FLASHING IN ALL OPENINGS:
2” x 2” “L”flashing is provided and should be installed
into the corners of all openings, especially those having
exposed joist hangers. Any hanger brackets must be
covered over as shown below. Cut the flashing to the
finished opening height (including sheet rock and
decking). Align it to the bottom and nail both edges with
INSTALL 2X2” FLASHING
INSIDE FINISHED OPENING
CUT SHEET ROCK
FLUSH WITH OPENING
Fig. 2c
SET NAIL HEADS FLUSH.
WARNING!: TO PREVENT LIFT
MALFUNCTION, THE OPENING
SIDEWALLS MUST BE SMOOTH
WITH NO PROTRUDING NAILS,
BRACKETS, SHEETROCK, ETC.
5
Versa Lift Opening Installation Specs
HANGER BRACKETS MUST BE COVERED
WITH 2 x 2” FLASHING PROVIDED
HANGER HAMMER NAIL HEADS DOWN
BRACKET
COMPLETELY FLAT, THEN
INSTALL THE COVER FLASHING
(AS SHOWN IN INSET BELOW).
HANGER BRACKETS MUST
BE COVERED WITH 2" x 2"
"L" SHAPED FLASHING.
NAIL 1/4" FROM
EACH EDGE WITH
#17 x 1" NAILS
CUT FLASHING TO
OPENING HEIGHT,INCL.
DECKING & SHEET ROCK
Fig. 2b
LIFT OPENING
IMPORTANT NOTICE
! WARNING
THE LIFT OPENING MUST HAVE
SMOOTH PERPENDICULAR SIDE WALLS. NO nail
heads, hanger brackets, sheet rock or decking can
protrude or extend into the opening, as this will
cause the lifting platform to become caught on
those edges, causing the lift to malfunction,
resulting in possible damage or personal injury!
Product warranty is void if this product is installed
on an opening that does not meet the exact
requirements detailed on these pages. Carefully
read the instructions detailed and illustrated in “Lift
Opening Requirements” and “Framing Techniques”
(Fig. 1a thru Fig. 19, pgs. 4-10).

6
Versa Lift Opening Installation Specs
PILOT HOLES FOR MOUNTING THE LIFT:
Mark the location of the mounting holes on the floor deck
ateither end of thelift opening. These will be pilotholes
for the lag screws that have been provided to secure the
lift to the attic floor.
Mark the center of each side of the rectangular opening
andusea straightedge or squareto draw a center line
(Fig. 3). Next draw a line parallel to the narrow ends of
the opening and spaced 3/4” away. Measure along the
parallel lines 14” each way from the center line and mark
2 hole centers (Fig. 3). Measure outward 2” more on
eachsideforatotalof4holecentersoneachendofthe
opening (Fig 3). Find the “Mounting Rails” in the Versa
Lift carton and place them over the hole centers you have
marked to check your work. The hole centers should
match the four slotted holes on the Mounting Rails. Ifso,
drill 8 pilot holes with a 5/32” bit on the hole centers you
have marked to a depth of about 2-1/2”(Fig. 3).
LOCATE AND DRILL PILOT HOLES FOR MOUNTING LIFT
DRAW A CENTER-LINE ON
ALL 4 SIDES OF THE OPENING
15-1/4” 3/4"
15-1/4”
29-1/4”
29-1/4”
3/4"
2"
DRILL 5/32" PILOT HOLES
14”
x 2½" DEEP,8 PLACES
14”
Fig. 3
2"
IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT FRAMING:
The Optional Framing Techniques and Illustrations
provided on pages 6 thru 10 are strictly for illustrative
purposes and are not intended as recommendations
or directions for you to follow in your individual
installation. Theseareprovidedonlyasvisualaidsthat
mayhelp youplanyourinstallation withaprofessional,
suchasastructuralengineer,architect,orcontractor,
according to local codes or building practices. BPG does
not warrant this product to be suitable for your purpose,
location, structure, installation or use. Each user is
responsible for determining the suitability, appropriate
location and method of installation for this product.
Pleaseconsult aprofessional to evaluate yourceiling
construction and the desired location and whether the
remaining joists should be doubled to compensate for
the joist(s) that will be cut. This will depend on a various
factors,includingthesizeandspanoftheexistingjoists.
LIFT OPENING ORIENTATION
Thefollowingillustrations(pages7-10)showliftopenings
in solid 2x (1½”) lumber and I-joists spaced 16” or 24”
on-center. All openings shown are aligned with the
joists meaning the long dimension of the opening is
oriented parallel to the joists so the fewest number of
joists need to be cut. When the opening isalignedwith
solid wood joists on 16” or 24” centers or I-joists on 24”
centers,onlyoneceilingjoisthasto becuttoframethe
opening (see Fig. 4). For I-Joists on 16” centers, 2 joists
may need to be cut (see page 8, for additional details).
In contrast, a transverse opening will require either two
joists (24” centers)or three joists (16” centers) to be cut.
Important: For the above reasons, only aligned opening
types are recommended for the Versa Lift Model 32.
It is not recommended to orient the opening transverse
(across)tothejoist directionwiththeVersaLiftModel32
because more joists will have to be cut which will weaken
the ceiling structure more than an aligned opening.
ALIGNED OPENING IN SOLID WOOD JOISTS 24” O.C.
Note:Theframingtechniqueillustrations (pg.6-10)show
blocking used to join joists and headers. Joist hanger
brackets can be substituted for the blocking as desired.
Dependingonlocationandcoderequirements,web
stiffenersmayberequiredforI-Joistwhenusinghanger
brackets. Typical joist hangers are illustrated below:
Solid WoodJoist Hanger I-Joist Hanger
58.5"
30.5"
Fig. 4
24”
O.C.
THESE JOISTS
MAYNEEDTO
BE DOUBLED
Web Stiffener

Versa Lift Opening Framing Techniques
7
Optional Framing Technique #1 - For Homes with
SOLID WOOD JOISTS 16 or 24” OC:
Ifyour attic is decked, you will need to remove some
decking to expose the joists in the area of the opening.
If your attic is not decked, nail down some plywood on
either side for a temporary work surface.
Youwillneedtemporarysupportsforanyjoistthatwillbe
cut. One technique is shown below using two 2 x 8”
(minimum size) planksto span theadjacentjoists.Each
plank is securedwith 2 lag screws to the joist(s) to be cut
(Fig. 5). A framing square is used to mark guide lines for
headersandcutlines (Fig.5 inset).Aftercuttingthejoist,
2x4” or 2x6” blocking is installed (Fig. 6 & inset).
Note: Joist hangers can be used instead of blocking.
Mark, cut, and install headers:
For joists on 16” centers: Cut the headers 30.5” long
(Fig. 7 & inset) and install them as shown.
For joists on 24” centers: Cut the headers 46.5” long
andinstall blocking(Fig.8&inset).Install theheaders.
Trim the joist section (removed in Fig. 5) to 58.5” long
and install it to finish the framed opening (Fig. 8).
Depending on the size and span of your joists, you may
need to double the joists on either side of the opening for
added strength as shown in Fig. 7. The sheet rock can
now be cut flush with the opening. Install decking flush to
the inside edge of the opening (not illustrated). Note that
decking and sheet rock must not extend into the opening
(see Figs. 2a & 2c on pg. 5).
Note: Joist hangers can be used instead of blocking.
Joist hangers must be covered with 2 x 2” “L” flashing
(provided) to prevent the lift platform from hanging in
the opening, causing lift malfunction or damage (see
Fig. 2b, pg. 5 for details).
Solid Wood Joist Hanger
DRAW
GUIDE
LINES
HEADER DETAIL for 16” O.C.
x
1.5"
RAFTER
SQUARE
30.5"
x
Header
x
58.5"
CUT
61.5”
1.5"
INSTALL
HEADERS
Fig. 5
16”/24"
O.C.
4" LAG
SCREWS
TEMPORARY JOIST SUPPORTS
Fig. 7
16”
O.C.
REMOVE SCREWS
AND SUPPORTS
DOUBLE JOISTS
FOR STRENGTH
(IF NEEDED)
HEADER DETAIL for 24” O.C.
INSTALL BLOCKING
46.5"
CUT
JOIST
INSTALL
BLOCKING
NAIL
BLOCK
TO JOIST
INSTALL
JOIST
SECTION
HEADER
30.5"
1.5"
Fig. 6
Fig. 8
24"
O.C.
REMOVE SCREWS
AND SUPPORTS
DOUBLE JOISTS
FOR STRENGTH
(IF NEEDED)
INSTALL 2 x 2” FLASHING
INSIDE FINISHED OPENING

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:
(ThistechniquerequiresthatyouhaveadditionalI-Joist
of the same size as that used in your ceiling.If you do not
haveadditionalI-Joist,seethetechniqueonpage10.)
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
sectionsandheaders. Fordetailsaboutusingblocking,
see Figs. 14 & 17 on pages 9 & 10.
OPTIONS FOR FRAMING THE OPENING
BecauseI-Joists aretypically2.5”wide (solid woodjoists
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,youmust eithersetonejoist off-centerby1.5”
(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 paneledwith
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 ANDAN
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"

Versa Lift Opening Framing Techniques
9
Optional Framing Technique #3 - For new home con-
struction with I-JOISTS ON 24” CENTERS:
(ThistechniquerequiresthatyouhaveadditionalI-Joist
of the same size as that used in your ceiling.If you do not
haveadditionalI-Joist,seethetechniqueonpage10.)
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.
Oneway to address both problems isto 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-
Joistthatcan benailedinto.Second,the blockisoffset
so that it fits into the inset in the face of the perpendicular
I-Joist. The blocking should be attached securely (Fig.
14inset)andplacedonthesideoppositetheopening
(the opening must not have anything projecting inward).
Another problem with I-Joists isthat 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
plywoodcanbe cut(Fig.16inset)and usedtopanelall
fourI-Joistfacesinsidetheopeningtoproducethefinal
size opening of 58 ½” x 30 ½” (Fig. 16). Please note that
anynail heads intheopeningmust besetflushor 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
thisframingprocedurecanalsobe usedfor16” centers
(page 8). As with solid wood joists, I-Joists that need to
becutmustbe supportedbysomemeansuntiltheyare
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 orSCREWS
THEN MARK WOOD
OFFSET LINE GLUE
INSET OFFSET
OFFSET LINE
I-JOIST
I-JOIST SECTION
HEADERS
2x4" or 2x6"
BLOCKING
Fig. 14

10
Versa Lift Opening Framing Techniques
Optional Framing Technique #4 - For existing homes
with I-JOISTS: (How to Fabricate Headers for I-Joists)
The procedure is generally the same as with I-Joists on
the prior page, but when the home is a finished
construction (already built andowned) you may not have
extra I-Joist pieces from which to construct headers. First
youshouldcheckwithlocalbuilding supplies,but ifyou
can’tfind the same size I-Joists used to build your home
you may need a way to construct headers from other
available material.
One way to address this problem is to construct headers
from 3/4” plywood and 2 x 2” rails (Fig. 17). Join the rails
to the plywood with wood glue and nails or screws.
Then attach offset blocking (Fig. 17) as previously
explained on page 9. Headers constructed this way will
have good strength and have the advantage of asmooth
face toward the opening. NOTE: The blocking is attached
flush with the ends of the I-Joist Section when using
constructed headerswith a flat inside surface (Fig. 17).
The opening must be framed ½”oversized in only one
dimension (58 ½” x 31”) (Fig. 18), so that 1/4” thick
plywoodcanbecut(Fig.19inset)andusedtopanelthe
two I-Joist faces inside the opening (Fig. 19) to produce a
final opening size of 58 ½” x 30 ½” (Fig. 19). 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. 3).
NOTE: These illustrations show I-Joist on 24” centers, but
thisframingprocedurecanalsobe usedfor16” centers
(page 8). As with solid wood joists, I-Joists that need to
becutmustbe supportedbysomemeansuntiltheyare
connected to headers that tie them to adjacent I-Joists.
Note: Joist hangers can be used instead of blocking.
Finish opening with 1/4” paneling to cover hangers
and create a smooth-sided opening (Fig. 19, 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
ST
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.
31”
58.5"
24”
Fig. 19
Fig. 18
INSTALL 2 x 2” FLASHING
INSIDE FINISHED OPENING
2x4"or2x6"
BLOCKING
(OFFSET)
2x4"or2x6"
BLOCKING
(SET FLUSH)
I-JOIST
SECTION
WOOD
GLUE
PLYWOOD
CONSTRUCTED
HEADERS
½ or 3/4"
PLYWOOD
2x4"or2x6"
BLOCKING
(OFFSET)
2x2"
2 x 2" TOP & BOTTOM RAILS
GLUE AND NAIL TO PLYWOOD
I-JOIST PLYWOOD HEADER
BLOCK
USE 2" NAILS
or SCREWS
PLACE BLOCK USE 2" NAILS
INTO INSET TO or SCREWS
MARK OFFSET WOOD
GLUE
Fig. 17
INSET OFFSET
OFFSET LINE
2 EACH
JOI
581/4"