Attic Storage Live Load

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.

Attic storage live load.

Live load on second floor local requirements. However if the attic is intended for storage the attic live load or some portion should also be considered for the design of other elements in the load path. In attics built purely for storage purposes you may find 2x6 ceiling joists or in some cases even 2x4 joists. Flooring for dead loads may not be sufficient for live loads the loads created by people and the features of living space.

Joists and rafters must be strong enough not to break when loaded. D w provides an adequate and. Of floor area dead load on second floor 20 lbs. The previous homeowner may have simply covered the joists with plywood to use the space for storage.

The span table for a 30 psf live load 10psf dead load floor indicates a required fb value of 1 315 and a minimum e value of 1 800 000. Attic floors with limited storage l 240 10 psf strength of a material is obviously important. Offices require 50 psf. Use span tables for progressively heavier loads until you find the limits of your floor.

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. If your attic joists won t bear the weight necessary to finish out a living space but the engineer cleared them to support floor decking for light storage you can install inch plywood or. Dead load of attic floor when floored 20 lbs. Other residential rooms 40 psf.

In this case your joists are adequate to support a 30 psf live load and 10 psf dead load. Of floor area dead load of partitions 20 lbs. In sleeping only areas a 30 psf live load is required. 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.

Dead load of first floor ceiling not plastered 10 lbs. Unlike stiffness live loads and dead loads are added together to determine minimum design values for strength. 3the transverse wind load for stud design is based on a localized component and cladding wind pressure.