Replies

1. 
   DanH | Jul 28, 2010 11:17pm | #1

   Sorry, but I can't make sense of what you said.  Where are the 12-foot 2x6s?  Do you mean they are the ceiling joists?  What needs to be "tied together"?

2. 
   billg71 | Jul 28, 2010 11:21pm | #2

   Need more info....

   Are the 2x6s you speak of the ceiling joists? Is there any roof bracing above posted down on this wall?

   Reading between the lines, it looks like you have 12' ceiling joists(the 2x6s you speak of) bearing on the wall you want to remove. Since the maximum span of a 2x6 ceiling joist is 12' by code, if this is the case you'll have to add a header underneath, either 2-  9-1/2" LVLs or 3-2x12 SYP. Either will carry a 20/10 ceiling load, sufficient for an attic with storage.

   This all goes out the window if you have roof bracing bearing on this wall. Climb up in the attic and take a look.

   HTH,

   Bill

3. 
   joeh | Jul 29, 2010 10:55am | #3

   Nothing

   If the only load is the drywall ceiling, you're good.

   Joe H

4. 
   Clewless1 | Jul 31, 2010 10:22am | #4

   So, let me see if I can get it straight. Two rooms. Each have 12 ft ceiling joists that end on top of this wall?

   You end up w/ a 24 ft span and you're thinking of splicing the joists together to carry the load of the drywall?

   That's a long span even if it is "only" for drywall. Drywall isn't light.

   It may require a beam or some other structural element to pick up this splice. You'll have to design the space to accomodate this element (unless you incorporate the structure into the depth of the ceiling, which may be difficult).

   I dont' know your design, but generally I tend to go with the flow of the structure and try to incorporate that to help define the two spaces while still allowing you to open it up.

   There are lots of ways to accomodate your situation structurally. It's a matter of the cost or inconvenience to doing it.