Attic stairs & storage

I want to install one of those pull-down attic stairs so I can create a storage area up in the attic. I contracted with a contractor to do the work. Unfortunately he told me that the attic stairs can't be installed. The only way to install the stairs is to cut through one of the trusses in the attic and that would not be a good idea. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I can get this stairs installed?

Thanx, JT

 

"CUTTING TRUSSES"

Answer: NEVER cut any structural member of a truss! Any field modification that involves the cutting, drilling, or relocation of any structural truss member or connector plate shall not be done without the approval of the truss manufacturer or a licensed design professional.

One question that should also be asked regards what you are planning on using the access for? Be aware that the trusses most likely were not designed to carry additional loads on the bottom chord, if you are planning to use the attic space for storage. If this is what you are planning, you would be well advised to contact the truss manufacturer as to the amount of load the trusses were designed to carry.

Frequently Asked Questions. Retrieved 25 June 2002. http://www.woodtruss.com/faqtrussrepairs.htm

 

"We just had our 4 year old home inspected before selling. Apparently 2 trusses were cut in order to put in the attic stairs and the inspector said this was a major violation. What can we do? How to fix?" spen404. Online discussion. 15 May 2002. Attics. DoItYourself.com. Retrieved 25 June 2002. http://forum.doityourself.com/showth...t=attic+stairs

 

Is it safe to say that I cannot build storage space in my attic if I have trusses? I also notices that the joise are made using 2x4's. I was under the impression that they should be 2x8?

Pls explain. Thx

 

In most cases a trussed roof is faster, easier, and stronger than one stick built. Saving time in installation equals saving money and getting the project under roof and out of the elements faster. The average truss is made from 2 x 4's saving money and lumber over conventional framing of 2 x 6's, 2 x 8's and larger lumber.

With a rare exception trusses are designed to bear on your exterior walls only. This provides you with unlimited design options for the interior of the building as you do not need "load bearing" walls inside. Roof Trusses. Johnson Lumber Company. Retrieved 25 June 2002. http://www.johnsonlumberco.com/truss.html

Adding dead weight for storage on a truss design system can lead to problems.