storage in trusses

[OIIIIIIIO]

Hi

I apologize in advance...I didn't do a search...

But, I'm going to use some OSB to make some decking for storage in the trusses...my question...should I lay the OSB on the top of the bottom cord of the truss and nail/screw it down, or should I nail/screw it to the bottom of the bottom cord...

Right now I'm leaning towards putting it on the top...

Thoughts and rationale as to why?

Thanks!
Patrick

 

[RivennHewn]

On top of the bttm chord. Gives you a flat surface, and won't fall down when your screws fail.

 

[bad_idea]

put the osb on top of the bottom cord. gravity will hold the osb down and the fasteners will keep it from sliding around and warping. when building something design the joints so the load is on the wood, not on the fasteners.

 

[wssix99]

If you are going to need to put a lot of weight up there, you may have an engineer design a scheme to sister additional support along the bottom chords. Every pound you put on the bottom chords will reduce the roof's load carrying capacity by a greater amount.

 

[Cyberbear]

Depending on the truss spacing and truss size for the bottom chord, you should no doubt be sure the OSB joints are over solid support. If the truss spacing is more than
24" o/c, you might wish to think about more floor support by using added blocking in order to avoid any serious consequences.

 

[rieferman]

Unless the trusses are designed for attic storage I wouldn't recommend your plan. Many trusses aren't even designed to carry the weight of sheetrock, let alone christmas decorations etc. Many will tell you "it's no big deal" but I would tell you to check the truss design first and search the web for examples of failed trusses in these situations.

Even if your intent is to store feathers up there, the next home owner will not be aware that it's not an engineered space.

Edit: And please don't sister the bottom cords without checking with an engineer. Trusses are specifically designed to deflect a certain amount under loaded conditions - preventing this movement has consequences.

 

[djjsr]

This post was over 2 years old. I hope he has it done by now.