Attic Dead Load

Design live loads will vary based on a number of factors but at a minimum 10 psf live load for attics without storage 20 psf live load with limited storage and 30 psf for habitable attics served with fixed stairs international residential code 2009 older or local codes may be different.

Attic dead load.

As a result the live load dead load and distribution of forces are different. To simplify you can place 20 pounds of dead load per square foot on your subfloor as long it s supported mid span. B the top chord live include snow load as a live load and bottom chord live load. Psf ceiling load for a c ducts plumbing and wiring the attic space is considered uninhabitable but will be used for storage.

Live load on attic floor local requirements. Since it is possible to use the attic for storage the live load of the attic floor is set at 20 psf according to code. C determine the total load and proper load duration. Unlike the trussed roof live load and dead load of the rafters and ceiling joists must be accounted for as separate systems.

The ceiling load may include items like drywall ducts recessed lights bathroom fans and attic insulation. Boxes trunks suitcases etc. 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. Dead loads are things that do not move.

Unless expressly built so an attic s joists are meant for carrying the load of the ceiling below and related elements collectively known as the dead load. Live loads are people and animals and tangentially the things used by people. 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.

Most houses attics are built without flooring and are not designed to carry. Your attic floor was probably built with dead loads in mind. Dead load of attic floor when floored 20 lbs.