convert barn attic to a studio - what flooring barrier?

[RedTailHawk]

I'm in the planning stages of converting an old pole barn into a nice looking garage/workshop and the upstairs into a studio. Here is a picture of a simple barn attic space that I'll copy:



Right now it is not finished and has some plywood sheets laying on the attic floor, but some areas are still exposed to lower garage area.

Any ideas on what type of flooring in the attic to prevent noxious fumes from coming up from the garage/workshop area?

 

[lakeroadster]

And that will be a great space. 3/4" tongue and groove plywood would be a great start.

My suggestion:

1st thing to do is verify the trusses are designed to support what you are planning.

They may have a stamp on them to show the "Live Load & Dead Load" design for the truss bottom chord.

If they don't you need to check the county / city if they have the construction drawings.

If none of that works you should hire a Professional Engineer to determine the load capacity.

After that... have at it and happy framing!

 

[RedTailHawk]

I'm not sure this lumber was purchased at a big box hardware store. I think it came from a nearby lumber mill. I say that because the 2x4's actually seem to be 2" by 4" (rather than todays 1.5"x3/5" boards). Very solid. But I'm not sure about pressure treating, etc.

Should there be some kind of vapor barrier laid down in one of the floor layers?

 

[RedTailHawk]

Now that I think of it, I'm not sure this pole barn is even on the county records. This is my cabin property in WV. I'll have to check the county assessment website to see if they have any info on it.

 

[LB-1911]

Now that I think of it, I'm not sure this pole barn is even on the county records. This is my cabin property in WV. I'll have to check the county assessment website to see if they have any info on it.

Along with checking any and all permit requirements.

Your putting the cart in front of the horse - You need to ensure that the structure will support a finished 2nd floor.

just found this forum, and feel like a kid in a candy store
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=5546479#post5546479

 

[RedTailHawk]

I guess I took that step for granted because I know the previous owner had a pool table up there. It is gone now and just a few ball return rails remain laying on the floor.

 

[jives]

If I'm not mistaken, any living space over a garage must have fume and fire barriers. Not sure, though, if a studio qualifies as living space. Even so, you will want the studio as separated as you can from potential sources of toxic fumes, smoke, dust, and so forth.

 

[Garage Flooring]

One thing that is often overlooked here is how any changes affect the design of the passive ventilation systems. I would check with your local lomanco dealer http://www.lomanco.com/