Concerned about 2x4 ceiling joists

[briandreger]

I am hoping the folks here can help me determine how much load my 2 car garage ceiling can handle.

I just moved into a home built in 2000. The attached 2 car garage has Qty. 2 11' 2x4 ceiling joists that span 22' ( 24" OC) and are hanging in the center from the peak of the truss.

I want to put in a floor in the attic for medium weight storage ( ie, no engine blocks or heavy tools) and I also want to hang some shelving (also medium weight stuff) in the garage from the ceiling.

I am concerned that the garage attic design is not intended for much weight beyond the drywall.

What do you all think?

I've attached some pics to help explain and a rough drawing with some possible reinforcements.

 

[Stuart in MN]

I am concerned that the garage attic design is not intended for much weight beyond the drywall.

I think you're right. Other than maybe a couple boxes of Christmas ornaments, I wouldn't put anything up there.

 

[southalabama]

I'm with you fellas. I wouldn't put much up there.

Another factor with attic storage is the extreme heat. It destroys most things.

 

[SALIV8]

What size drywall? 5/8? Or lightweight 1/2? If 1/2" I'd probably use it for very light storage.

 

[briandreger]

I've attached another PIC that shows some possible reinforcements with 2x4s

Does anyone think that would help bulk up the load capacity?

 

[briandreger]

What size drywall? 5/8? Or lightweight 1/2?

Drywall is 1/2"

 

[Mustang51js]

You could try to beef it up a little, those gusset plates are the weak points

 

[ADSR]

I've attached another PIC that shows some possible reinforcements with 2x4s

Does anyone think that would help bulk up the load capacity?

That would work big time.

 

[ADSR]

You could try to beef it up a little, those gusset plates are the weak points

You mean gang nail?

 

[tlmartin84]

You could try to beef it up a little, those gusset plates are the weak points

Have you ever tried to tear one off that has been properly stamped? If so you won't say that again.

 

[Zeke]

I think it's OK as it is and the nail plates are good enough for where they are. In my opinion, I'm not an engineer, just a contractor. What you would be doing shown in post #5 would add to the overall truss design. Here's the skinny, you can add hanging shelving on the walls as any deflection of the 2 x 4's would be at a minimum at each end. The uprights above would indeed help some.

As for the horizontal rafter ties up high like I think you're only going to see the minimum of added strength. Neither is going to add significantly to the live load rating of that ceiling. You'd need to sister joist it with at least 2x 8's (remember and additional strengthening brings its own weight to the party) to get any amount of useable storage. Sister with 2 x 10 or 12 and bring it on.

 

[hogdoc]

The garage I am in now had attic storage set up when we got here, there are sheets of 7/16 OSB up there spread across a 15' x about 12' area. I would easily estimate that there's 1000 lbs up there when Iam in it.

I just started unloading it into a storage unit and thought after the 3rd load that I should have measured the ceiling to see what kind of deflection there was. Oh well, I'll try to remember to measure the new place before I start loading it up.

 

[CT2012]

honestly no way i'd walk up there with regularity or trust it to hold much weight.

i had 2x6 setup with 23' spans. to reinforce my garage, i doubled up every single one of 'em, put truss bracing on each one, then put a pole in there. flooring was 1/2" plywood.

after all that, it would hold rosie o'donnell no problem. well, maybe....