Attic floor above garage

[rblanfo]

So I just installed an attic ladder in my garage to plan on storing stuff in the attic. The problem I have is the joists are 2x4s that are 24 o.c. and I have trusses in there. Now I don't plan on storing heavy items like a snow blower but junk does add up. First off, can I just use 1/2" OSB? Would adding 2x4s strengthen anything? I just plan on using half the length and only in center due to trusses. Any advice?


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[kd3pc]

you will get tons of opinions on this...a lot of info here on the subject.

The reality, you will need to see what the load for your trusses is. Some trusses are designed and built for only the truss to support it's self.

Others are designed to support a sheet of OSB and R-something on that. And some are designed to support a load, or a live load.

Without the specs on the trusses, it is a crapshoot as to what they will hold.

bests.

 

[kTHREE]

Without the specs on the trusses, it is a crapshoot as to what they will hold.

I'm in the same boat, can this be found stamped some where. Or is this a bring "someone in who's smart" type of deal?

 

[LB-1911]

So I just installed an attic ladder in my garage to plan on storing stuff in the attic. The problem I have is the joists are 2x4s that are 24 o.c. and I have trusses in there. Now I don't plan on storing heavy items like a snow blower but junk does add up. First off, can I just use 1/2" OSB? Would adding 2x4s strengthen anything? I just plan on using half the length and only in center due to trusses. Any advice?

I'm in the same boat, can this be found stamped some where. Or is this a bring "someone in who's smart" type of deal?

You have trusses - what you are referring to as a joist is the bottom chord of the truss.

Cut from just one of the numerous threads on the topic -
01-25-2013

Everybody does it but it isn't designed for a static load. The bottom cord is a tension member. I have heard this a million times " it will only be a few box's". Then it is a few more and a few more. You get the picture. When I used to do home inspections I would come across damaged truss's a couple of times a year. Of course the seller would say we never put anything up there on that acre of plywood that has no dust on it. One repair job was $8,000 between the engineer and contractor. I guess what I am saying is no.

Trusses - Can I add plywood floor to my truss, pictures included
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=184807

 

[Garage Flooring]

One of the concerns with plywood is attic ventilation. Metro products makes a product specifically for this application called atticdek.

 

[n20junkie]

If you had to install a ladder, dollars to doughnuts there is no engineered load allowed on those trusses.

It's like turning a basement into a swimming pool. Sure it will hold water, but your going to F stuff up in the long term.