Store Ceiling

One unfortunate reality in the store was the insertion of a staircase, likely in the late 19th century, that cut one of the dressed heavy timber 2nd floor joists. It was our intention to bring the store back to its original open feel, but this large missing section presented a problem. According to graffiti behind framing in the opening, it had been closed in 1896. However the rough framing was unacceptable if the framing was to be visible.



Figure 1. Cut 2nd floor joist

The solution was to cut a slot into the back of the existing joists, and insert a 1/4" plate from above. A 'patch' section of timber was then made to fit the gap and this slipped and bolted into place over the plate from below.



Figure 2. Engineered repair.
 
As the underside of the upstairs planks was to be visible, they were dressed and beaded. The reality of today was that modern code required a fire separation between upstairs and downstairs, and modern expectations also required some degree of sound isolation. A compromise was to establish a small ceiling assembly that achieved code objectives, but would unfortunately hide the beaded planks.



Figure 3. New ceiling assembly showing resilient channel and drywall layers.

Fortunately a large portion of the dressed joists would remain visible