Attic Garage Storage Question

[John Bender]

I am starting my garage organization...and was wondering if anyone has come up with a storage solution for using the attic space above a garage?..without having to go up into the attic.

I want to avoid simply installing racks and storage on the ceiling (plenty of headroom is important to me), so I was thinking maybe have drop down storage boxes that can recess back into the ceiling. Spring loaded or counter-weighted, etc....? (My attic above garage is empty. Not even insulation yet)

Anyone done something like this? Hopefully I can learn some lessons before I start cutting holes....

tks!
Bender

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... What sorta trusses or joists ya got,..??

Many won't support any more weight than the roof,....

 

[John Bender]

Hmm. Good question. I believe it is simply 2x4's, in a standard "fan post" configuration,..I don't remember seeing 2x6's on floor of ceiling..... based on memory. Not much room up there to move around.

What type of truss cross section and design would be safe for a lot of weight? (This is a bit out of my wheel-house)

 

[wssix99]

What type of truss cross section and design would be safe for a lot of weight? (This is a bit out of my wheel-house)

Typically, they aren't designed to support much vertical weight on those bottom chords beyond what the ceiling weighs. When we've wanted to have storage up there in the past, we've had to give that design spec specifically to he truss manufacturer.

Do you know who designed your trusses and was the space laid out for storage up there? (With an access hatch, etc.)

 

[John Bender]

Yea. There is an access door...however it is simply a hole framed with molding.
I guess I will dig a bit deeper, and get some pics.....if people think this might be a valuable discussion to have on the forum....

 

[DonPowers]

Typically, they aren't designed to support much vertical weight on those bottom chords beyond what the ceiling weighs. When we've wanted to have storage up there in the past, we've had to give that design spec specifically to he truss manufacturer.

Do you know who designed your trusses and was the space laid out for storage up there? (With an access hatch, etc.)

Agree with wssix99, check with your local truss manufacturer.

Just looked at the design data for my trusses. Even though they are rated for a snow load of 77 psf, the bottom chord is only rated at 10psf for ceiling material & insulation.

You have to keep in mind that trusses are designed to flex. Randomly adding material could transfer loads to an undesirable location and weaken the system.

 

[John Bender]

Thanks guys! I will check. Definitely not worth risking a failure!

 

[Mark in Indiana]

My house & garage is >75 years old. I installed a cat walk along the center and laid light sheets of plywood on each side. I store only light stuff like empty containers, folding lawn chairs, large sheets of card board, etc. Don't want anything heavy to come crashing down.