floor in the attic

[steeve]

hi, my roof will be frame with trusses...i would like to install a floor before for ease of trusses installation, what size of joists can/should i use, the area will be dead space attic. will the floor affect anything on the load/trusses not being directly on the walls/beam, insulation... :?:

[jproffer]

:? :shock:

The trusses (at least all I've ever seen) will come with bottom chords. You shouldn't put anything between the trusses and the walls. Tell the truss manufacturer ahead of time and they should be able to design a truss for you that:

- Is strong enough for a walkable floor in the attic.
- Leaves as much head room as possible

I'm not sure I completely understand what you're wanting to do. Check local codes before deciding the best course of action here.

[steeve]

i dont realy want an open attic space, i just want a floor so it would be easier to frame/install/tie the trusses instead of walking on the side wall perimeter with open below area...just an idea,worse thing, i ll add extra inches to tie the joists even with the top plate.

[VALENT]

I guess the real question is What will you be laying the floor on? The trusses, like jproffer said, would include the normal joists that the flooring would lay on.

[tooltroll]

??
You're going to the expense of adding a floor to stand on it for one day while the trusses are being installed?
I'd just rent some scaffolding...
Or, you mention 'framing' the trusses. Are you using actual prefab trusses, or are you stick-building the roof? Sorry, but you're not too clear...

[Sweep]

If you are willing to pay for a floor you should stick build the roof. The attic space should increase the resale value. I've converted enough attics for living space to tell you that it is major resale feature.

[steeve]

thnx guys for the info...and yes prefab trusses, good idea about the scaffoldings Tooltroll, i didn't think about that, and Sweep, i think i ll order trusses for open attic space, so the floor wont be a waste...thnx

[B1]

Hey, if your installing the floor for storage that is going to be over your main body house, make sure before you install it you can get the proper insulation between the plywood floor and the bottom of the truss. I'm ripping out 20 sheets tomarro to scab 2x8 stock to the 2x4 bottom cords to meet the home owners R-value specs.