Posted: 1/26/2009 11:18:19 PM EDT
| I have this idea to build a type of loft in the attic of my house I'm trying to buy. What I'm wondering is how far apart are the trusses or rafters on a standard, single level house? Could 2x4 rafters support this? Thanks. |
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Quoted:
I have this idea to build a type of loft in the attic of my house I'm trying to buy. What I'm wondering is how far apart are the trusses or rafters on a standard, single level house? Could 2x4 rafters support this? Thanks. You will most likely have to check your local code to see what is acceptable. What are you planning to do with the loft? If nothing, then the 2X4's should be fine. If you are actually planning to do SOMETHING with it, then at a min, 2X6's should be used. How far apart are the trusses? Go up and measure. |
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I run a construction company so I know a little about this. To be clear, You are using two words, trusses and rafters that are really two different things. Trusses are pre manufactured and set in place. Rafters are the wood supporting members that the roof decking attach to. These can be made of 2X4s but as with anything, bigger is often better and 2X6s are better if the spans are long. The longer the span, the greater the amount of deflection at mid span assuming the same size material is used. To decrease the deflection, you need bigger rafters and / or wind braces mid span. 16" on center is standard. If you go wider, the structure is weaker. Less than 16" and the structure is stronger.
I think you are really talking about ceiling joists, which in this case double as floor joists. That being the case, 2X10s are the usual standard, but again, the length of the span and the joist spacing dictate what size materials get used. All of this is in the International Residential Code which most municipalities use as the guide for inspctions. Now that I have told you way more than you wanted to know, if you get me some specific measurements I'd be glad to look it up. Everyone needs a reloading / man room. 
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