Sistering 2x6 joists next to your current 2x4 joists will simply give you a new floor height of 5 1 2 inches as opposed to the current 3 1 2 inches.
Attic insulation 2x4 joists.
If the attic joists are not adequate one way to strengthen the floor for live loads is to sister the old joists.
I d like to double my ceiling joists to make my attic space easier to work in for electrical plumbing and for lightweight storage.
Ceiling joists are the horizontal boards that span the width of the house resting on the outer wall plates and possibly on.
Hot summers and cold winters.
For any option installing those 2 x 2 furring strips really would be a waste unless the area is very unlevel.
Box out light fixtures.
Put insulation meant for 2x4 framed walls between the joists which will be the same height as the joists then lay a perpendicular layer of attic insulation maybe r 30 on top of them.
Once the insulation is in the wall and sealed up with drywall it is not easy to change out.
Option 2 has the benefit of preventing any thermal bridging via the ceiling joists.
Sistering is the process of adding a new joist next to each existing joist.
When you are insulating two by four 2x4 and two by six 2x6 framed exterior walls and want to use fiberglass insulation what thickness is best the question becomes all more critical because of the permanent nature of wall assemblies and wall insulation.
With the 2x4 joist what insulation should i use since i do want to put some flooring down for storage.
If done right blown in cellulose insulation adds a lot of r value in all areas without doing too much work in regards to packing it in like batted insulation.
2x4 s actual size spaced 16 on center running the width of the building uninterrupted with the ends resting on top of the wall top plate.
How to increase the interior ceiling joist for r38 insulation.
In the case of 2x6 joists you can pair them up with additional 2x6 joists by nailing them together side by side.
Look for water stains on the roof sheathing or damp or moldy spots on attic joists and existing insulation as a clue to where leaks might be.
I live in the pittsburgh area.