attic storage

[bruce-ter]

I have been reading FOS for a while, and hope to get the saw and router sometime in the near future.  For years I have used my old Rockwell circular saw and plywood guide for any longer cuts, I first saw the Makita but the price seemed a little steep then I came across the Festool information.  A whole system that can work together and well thought out tools.  Sold!!  But I have no work space at the moment since my wife has lots of stuff (LOTS OF STUFF!!!).  We have attic space over the garage that would work for the holiday decorations and such - mostly all light stuff.  But, here is my question.

My garage is 24 feet wide, when I look into the attic space there are metal mending plates down the center of the rafters (trusses?).  This has kept me from turning this space into storage, but I really would like the stuff out of the garage.  Would it be OK to put in a floor (of sorts) down the center portion to use this as storage?  I have considered putting in 'sister' frames that are a few feet long across this joint, either 3 or 4 foot 2x4's or plywood straps, but since I have no knowledge in this area I thought I would ask before proceeding.

Thanks in advance
Bruce

 

[Holzhacker]

There are a number of issues involved here. First off, if you throw down a few sheets of 5/8 or 3/4 cdx and use it for incidental storage, you will probably be fine. However, as those of us who are packrats know, the stuff just keeps piling on. Eventually this could lead to problems.
The best immediate work would be to identify your truss system and get the design load specs for it. Some are engineered for floor loads, some are primarily engineered for their purpose, roof loads. Sistering could be a problem because at that point you are changing the engineering of the design.
Do you where the trusses came from, is this a newer subdivision, is the original builder around, is there a truss factory in the area, etc?
If you plan on using the attic for storage, you may also need to comply with the Code. The most immediate would be a floor surface at the entry and a light switch. Depending on what Code you are under, fire separation requirements might also come into play.
Good luck.

 

[bruce-ter]

There is a truss outfit not too far from me so I guess that would be the best place to start.  Early seventies spec home, and my guess with the mending plate that it is designed for roof loads only.  Fortunately for me my wife looked at a lot of the things she has accumulated "Most of it is just junk, I need to go through it".  Tough for someone who's family is all collectors (everyone has a room in their house dedicated to their collections!).  My biggest concerns for weight is my big butt crawling around up there.
thanks
Bruce

 

[bruce-ter]

Talked to the truss shop.  He repeated what was said.  Probably get away with it if I only put light stuff in the attic, but he would not recommend it.
Thanks

 

[Dane]

One idea would be to ge an lvl and set it under the garage ceiling to support the split in the rafters.  Depending on the span, you might get away with just supporting it on the ends.  As long as you place the posts close to the walls, you will catch the footing and should not have any load issues.  Pretty simple and inexpensive.  Might even be able to use a double or triple 2x12.  Really, as long as you aren't planning on making it a living space, you should be fine.  If your rafters are 2x6 or bigger they can easily carry a storage load over 12 feet, especially if you stiffen the assembly by nailing plywood to it for the floor.