Strengthening Garage Roof for Storage

[0l0dom0l0]

New build house. Single large garage 6 X 3M.

Photo attached.

What do I need to do to board the roof out and be able to walk around/ store stuff up there?

I'm not talking about loads of stuff, but assorted bike spares and fairings etc and I need to be able to wonder about to get to them.

Also need to make some kind of ladder (was thinking on runners) so I can access the different bits.

Thanks
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CBT Passed: 30/08/2009, Theory Passed: 31/08/2010, Mod 1 Passed: 6/9/2010, Mod 2 Passed: 13/09/2010. Restriction ended 13/09/2012.

Bikes: 2007 Derbi GPR 50, 1998 Yamaha Fazer 600 (written off), 2002 Yamaha Fazer 600, 1994 CBR 600F, 2003 Triumph Daytona 600, Kawasaki ZX6R J1.....Current: 2006 Yamaha FZ6, 1998 Suzuki TL1000R and a Honda VFR 400 NC30.

[0l0dom0l0]

https://www.bikechatforums.com/download.php?id=101438
____________________
CBT Passed: 30/08/2009, Theory Passed: 31/08/2010, Mod 1 Passed: 6/9/2010, Mod 2 Passed: 13/09/2010. Restriction ended 13/09/2012.

Bikes: 2007 Derbi GPR 50, 1998 Yamaha Fazer 600 (written off), 2002 Yamaha Fazer 600, 1994 CBR 600F, 2003 Triumph Daytona 600, Kawasaki ZX6R J1.....Current: 2006 Yamaha FZ6, 1998 Suzuki TL1000R and a Honda VFR 400 NC30.

[doggone]

Would you really need walk about, the truss things look like a big problem for that idea.
I'd try to make something more like plywood open shelving to slide stuff in from a tall stepladder.

[0l0dom0l0]

[Polarbear]

I think he means more like, will it ever take the weight.

what size are the roof trusses? Looking at them I would say you would have to just about completely rebuilt the roof to take any sort of weight.

But I'm a marine engineer, not a builder and if it isn't minimum 2" steel I beam it's too weak
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[arry]

Looks like a lightweight block wall that it ties into on the right hand side - that won't be a lot of good for strength. If I were doing it, I'd build a timber frame down to the ground tied into the wall either side. You'd lose a bit of clear width on your left hand side but the right hand side has the support pillar centrally anyway, so you'd be able to run your timbers down there without it affecting much.

[0l0dom0l0]

[bugeye_bob]

What are you thinking of actually storing up there that weighs that much,
Also I cant see the soft blocks holding a great deal anyway, so the bricks are the same as any roof,
I imagine the only area down the centre worth walking along will be a V shape ?

[Riejufixing]

"The wall on the left is the exterior wall of the house. Right is thermalite into next doors garage"

It doesn't look like Thermalite or other aerated block, it looks more like medium density aggregate of some sort. If it's thermalite, it will have a smooth texture and you will be able to push a screwdriver into it easily. Anyway, whatever, you can install beams into it but you need to ensure it does not weaken the structure, and you need to tell your neighbour.

First step: Do you know a friendly builder who'd advise, "for a drink"?

I might be inclined to bolt a timber plate to the party wall, and hang joists on it under the existing, in old money 2" x 6" joists at 18" centres (across the garage!). Probably leave it as a "gallery" for ease of access.

[0l0dom0l0]

[Riejufixing]

[MCN]

[Kawasaki Jimbo]

I'd say there's little point in being able to walk up there and you'll be constantly banging your head. I just drape (and sometimes nail) lightweight sheet wood or thin fibreboard across the rafters, leaving gaps so I can climb up a step ladder, reach in and drag stuff out. What's up there is in long-term storage anyway. There's no really heavy stuff although in total it's a fair weight I suppose, but spread about a bit. It's not pretty but the haphazard gaps probably let air flow freely.
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'93 Yamaha XJR400 grey import (p-ex’d), '99 Kawasaki ZX6R (nicked), another '99 ZX6R (still got it) and '03 Yamaha YZF-R1 (still got that too.)

[skatefreak]

I have a new build garage with a roof that looks equally as flimsy although I've been up there many times and I'm 13 stone...
Its quite a ball ach actually getting up there to I've pulled some pallets apart and nailed the boards across the spans on wither side and just pop up on a ladder...

Cheap, strong, spreads the weight, hopefully adds a little rigidity (although whether it's beneficial from a structural perspective is questionable).

Easy enough to pop up and retrieve/deposit stuff, numerous bikes and half a bikes worth of spares, camping equipment etc. Would probably take an engine easily enough but getting it up/down may be tricky...

[J4mes]

be aware of your NHBC warranty and house insurance should you fuck about cutting trusses and shit and the roof collapses.

I boarded all of mine in my last garage and just left regular access points so everything was within reach of my boat hook!

I seem to remember you're meant to get approval from building control for boarding your loft as the roof trusses might not be man enough for the weight.

[doggone]

[MattEMulsion]

From your picture I would just board the 1st, 3rd & 5th run of the trusses, leaving the 2nd & 4th run open. Then use a step ladder to access the space to each side of your steps and you won't really need to ever walk on the boards. As long as you are sensible about what you put up there you won't hurt anything. This is how my garage has been for about 20+ years.
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Yamaha YZF-R6

[stevo as b4]

Never mind garages mate, if your surprised at that then you want to see the way they build new build houses now, and the quality of the timber used, and the distances between joists etc.

If I was considering a new build house, I'd definitely not want to see it until it's finished as if you ever saw the way that most house developers tack them together, you'd never go through with a purchase!

[MCN]