Attic stairs in a truss roof

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

06-29-02, 05:01 AM

vinsona

Visiting Guest

Posts: n/a

Attic stairs in a truss roof

Just purchased a new home with a truss roof. The previous owners added folding attic stairs and used the attic for light storage. I have read that attic stairs in a truss roof is a "no-no". We would like to take advantage of the additional storage space, is there any way of "re-enforcing" the existing truss framing members to provide a more "stable" situation?

Thanks in advance

Vinson

Upvote

06-29-02, 05:45 AM

the_tow_guy

Group Moderator

Join Date: Feb 2001

Location: SW Fla USA

Posts: 12,231

Received 134 Votes on 104 Posts

I'm thinking that what you read referred to cutting of the trusses to install stairs, which would be a no-no. But the folding stairs are designed run parallel to, and fit BETWEEN the rafter boards on the trusses, so there is no loss of structural integrity. Only thing required is to install 2 boards crosswise between the rafters to complete the "box" frame for the stair unit to mount in.
Measuer distance between the rafter boards and buy the appropriate stair unit (probably 24").

Upvote

06-29-02, 08:42 AM

vinsona

Visiting Guest

Posts: n/a

Thanks for the reply...

When we did our inspection I did not notice if they cut the truss or not... Hopefully not!!!

If they did, would adding extra or reinforcing the cut framing members with new rafters (not sure if 2x4 or 2x6) help strengthen the truss?

Vinson

Upvote

06-29-02, 03:13 PM

twelvepole

Member

Join Date: Aug 2000

Location: USA

Posts: 15,817

Received 1 Vote on 1 Post

Cutting trusses for attic stairs

http://www.woodtruss.com/faqtrussrepairs.htm

http://forum.doityourself.com/showth...threadid=96342

Contact your local building inspector to see if stairs were installed to code and how much load your trusses are designed to handle. Contacting the truss manufacturer is recommended. Most manufactured truss systems are not designed to carry a load.

http://doityourself.com/enjoyinghome...outpermits.htm

http://www.umass.edu/bmatwt/codes.html

Upvote

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Show Printable Version

Email this Page

Basements, Attics and Crawl Spaces
Electrical Rough-in, How Much Capacity is Needed?

T

timgeorge on Jun 17, 2002

I am finishing-out my basement and am now roughing in the electric using 12-2 Romex. I am planning on adding two 20 amp breakers to the service panel and want to make sure that the breakers, and the Romex, have sufficient capacity for the room. The service panel is also in the basement, located about 5 feet from the room. Lighting. I plan to run 10 recessed lights using 100 watt bulbs, broken into three different runs for switches. I also plan on having at least 3 75W wall sconses and 2 60W lights over the bar. Outlets. I'd like to have as many as 10 outlets. The main power load will come from the home entertainment system, (stereo, vcr, dvd, projection tv), and a mini-fridge. How do I determine the max safe capacity? Can, or should, I run all the lights on one and the outlets on another? What else should I be considering? Thanks in advance.
Basements, Attics and Crawl Spaces
Drywall Finishing Costs

A

Aligni on Mar 26, 2002

I am in the middle of a DIY basement project and am receiving bids for drywall installation, mud/taping, and orange peel finishing in my basement (because I won't tackle this one) and have NO idea what to expect for the bids. Does anyone have a ROUGH idea of costs per sheet of drywall to finish. I have a feeling that only one of the contractors I selected (who I really like) is going to bid on the project. Any number would help me gauge when the bid(s) come in. I live in the midwest. Thanks.