Dead Load For Attic Storage

In sleeping only areas a 30 psf live load is required.

Dead load for attic storage.

If the attic has the potential to become a regular living space talk with a contractor about adding a fixed stairway. While this is not the optimal setup it is acceptable to have ceiling joists covered with plywood or osb to use for light attic storage of dead loads. The dead load on a floor is determined by the materials used in the floor s construction. Basically if the space is large enough to accommodate storage of various items the user will use the space as such.

Attic ceiling joists without storage. The previous homeowner may have simply covered the joists with plywood to use the space for storage. In attics built purely for storage purposes you may find 2x6 ceiling joists or in some cases. If we look back at the definition above for live loads we can see that attic storage is considered a live load since this load is produced by the user given the nature of the space.

If you want to use your attic on a regular basis or to store large items you may need to enlarge the access opening and install an access ladder or drop down stairs. When used for storage only dead load of attic floor not floored 10 lbs. 2attic loads may be included in the floor live load but a 10 psf attic load is typically used only to size ceiling joists adequately for access purposes. Dead load of attic floor when floored 20 lbs.

Dead load of roof of wood shingle construction 10 lbs. 42481 ch03 ptg01 hr 006 063 indd 17 4 6 11 2 25 pm. Access to attic storage. Other uses for attics and lofts include a live load plus a 10 psf dead load for the weight of the floor support system floor sheathing sheetrock on the underside and any insulation.

However if the attic is intended for storage the attic live load or some portion should also be considered for the design of. Loads should be determined in accordance with this chapter. Designed for live load 20 psf and dead load 10 psf bottom chord of truss designed for live load 10 psf uninhabitable attic with limited storage uninhabitable attic with limited storage uninhabitable attic without limited storage minimum uniformly distributed live loads for attic trusses. These spaces are usually most easily accessed by use of an attic pull down ladder.