Attic stairs in a truss roof

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06-29-02, 06:01 AM

vinsona

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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

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06-29-02, 06:45 AM

the_tow_guy

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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").

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06-29-02, 09:42 AM

vinsona

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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

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06-29-02, 04:13 PM

twelvepole

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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

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