"Pete C" wrote in message
...
On Sun, 31 Jul 2005 12:55:35 +0100, "Mary Fisher"
wrote:


"Pete C" wrote in message
. ..



If you're replacing the downstairs ceiling you could 'sister' the
existing joists with some extra timber to stiffen them up a bit,
doubling the width will double the stiffness.

Is 'sister' a recognised term for that process? I've never heard of it but
it's good and I don't know of another.

Hi,

Not sure for houses but it's a well known method of repairing broken
ribs in wooden boats.

Yes - it's the term 'sister' which intrigued me.

Mary

cheers,
Pete.