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Looking for a little advice (Light duty attic flooring)

Doward

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So I've got what appear to be engineered 2x4 (dimensional) trusses, 24" oc. spanning my 2 car garage.

I'm wanting to increase the strength of the 'center' 12' or so the roof for some light weight storage (plastic car parts, christmas decorations)

I'm attaching pics here for everyone's viewing pleasure :)

I'm looking to put something a bit better than the 1/2" OSB that's up there currently, and wanted to bounce a few ideas around:

Idea 1: Add 12' 2x6s perpendicular to the trusses 16" oc (on top of the trusses), tying them together and lifting the 'storage area' up an additional ~5.5" to put some better insulation under it, top with 5/8" plywood.

Idea 2: Sister the 2x4 joists with 2x8s, then run 2x4s perpendicular to tie the 2x8s together 16" oc, top with 5/8" plywood.

Idea 3: Considering I'm just putting up Rubbermaid Toughtotes, just lay down 2x8s (flat) on the trusses 1" spacing, tie the trusses together, and forget the plywood altogether.

Thoughts?
 

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The Cobbler

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by adding material to the chord of the truss may in fact lessen the load you can put up there. if you're not putting a lot of weight up there, I would judt run 1/2" ply across the truss and set your stuff on that
 

toplessHO

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central florida
attic and plastic either car parts or Xmas stuff is a bad idea unless you live in a place where the sun never shines(location not listed)
 
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D

Doward

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Florida, here - I can't imagine it gets hotter in the attic than it does in a black car in the sun in Florida lol
 
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Doward

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by adding material to the chord of the truss may in fact lessen the load you can put up there. if you're not putting a lot of weight up there, I would judt run 1/2" ply across the truss and set your stuff on that

Yeah, I'm reading that the trusses are designed to keep the walls from spreading under load of the roof. Sounds like sistering might not be the way to go.

What about tying the trusses together with 2x4 perpendicular to the trusses? Spread the load a bit, is my thought....
 

spudley

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Dec 27, 2016
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Northeast Wisconsin
The bottom chord on those trusses was (most likely) designed to only carry the weight of a finished drywall ceiling. Without transferring weight to the wall bearing plates, you're taxing their carrying ability.
That said, keep it light and you'll be OK.
 

Chris705

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The Finger Lakes of NY
If you plan one adding more insulation then your idea of 2x6’s perpendicular to the trusses at 16” oc & then decking w/ 5/8” plywd. is a good idea. If not needing to add insulation then 2x4s flat across the trusses @12” oc w/ 1/2” plywd. would work well. As others have stated and you’re well aware of; keep the storage light.
 
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