@Mike CT posted:Homes like this were originally design as single story. The access to the second level/added dormers/rooms was later. Often the ceiling joints were limited as flooring joist. Example: Ceiling joint 2" X 6", Floor joist 2" X 8" (10" better). Note that dimensional lumber is also related to the length of span. The Knee walls may also be part of an effort to support relatively light ceiling joists, that have become floor support. IMO. Pictures above show some interesting framing lumber bottom of the knee wall.
Yup, my house was built in 1905... 12' ceilings. The roof is slate, the rafters are rough sawed at a full 2 x 8. The ceiling joists are rough sawed at a full 2 x 12. The knee wall was installed at a much later date... it's all modern kiln dried dimensional lumber. Whoever turned the attic into an apartment probably added the knee wall so there was some end point to the slope...
Here's the Iron Work I did to get to the 'Train Room' (O96 spiral w inner handrail)
Carried each layout section up these by myself... 25 steps
This is where I sit when I talk to Ray on the phone...
