Truss bottom chord PSF ?

[vortech91]

Will 5 PSF dead load for the bottom chord support a metal ceiling with blown in insulation? I have the option for 5 or 10 pound per square foot bottom chord dead load. I will not be putting up drywall or OSB, so I thought 5 PSF would be sufficient. Let me know Thanks

This is for a pole barn with trusses 48" OC truss specs 25-5-0-5 or 25-5-0-10

 

[6768rogues]

Around here 10 psf is the minimum default strength.
5 is enough in my opinion for what you described.

 

[mike93lx]

Will 5 PSF dead load for the bottom chord support a metal ceiling with blown in insulation? I have the option for 5 or 10 pound per square foot bottom chord dead load. I will not be putting up drywall or OSB, so I thought 5 PSF would be sufficient. Let me know Thanks

This is for a pole barn with trusses 48" OC truss specs 25-5-0-5 or 25-5-0-10

Is it a significant price difference? If not, i would go with 10 anyway.

 

[kbs2244]

I would ask the truss mfg.

 

[lakeroadster]

Cellulose weight varies based on how it is installed (just pour it in, blow it in with the setting set at a high air mixture (fluffing). or dense packing.

So these variables need to be evaluated.

But lets make some assumptions and then do the math...

• The weight ratio per square foot of 8-1/2" thickness of cellulose is usually .97 pounds per square foot = 0.12 psf per 1 inch of insulation.
  
• Menards Dura-Panel weighs approx. 56 lbs. per 100 sq. ft. = .56 lbs per sq. ft.

So if the truss is good for 5 psf and you use Menards Dura-Panels for the ceiling steel you can have as much as 37 inches of insulation.

But don't forget to take into account the weight of light fixtures and other items you may want to hang from the ceiling.

 

[rburke65]

Yes....ask your truss mfg. Ask also the price increase for trusses every 24" while your at it. You'll never be sorry.

 

[383]

You are fine with 5lbs, metal ceiling and blown insulation. We do it all the time.