Looking at a master bath remodel in high end townhouse in NJ. Bath is on first floor over full hieght unfinished basement. Original construction was 1994 and has block wall foundation, spanned by floor trusses with 3/4 ply subfloor cover by mastic and 6×6 tiles. Floor trusses are made of 2x4s ad are approximately 14″ deep. Options under consideration include a barrier free shower similar to a project done by Tom Meehan in the March 2007 FHB. In Tom’s project he downsized the floor joists and then trippled them up to allow room to recess the the floor .
My question is it even possible to do this when the “floor joists” in my case are floor trusses. Are trusses untouchable?
Thanks in advance.
Replies
Are these engineered trusses--made at a factory and not on site? If so, I would say you should consult an engineer before messing with them. Even if site built, maybe should talk to an engineer. I know that roof trusses cannot be modified without an engineer's approval. See what others here say.
They are engineered, allow tons of room for running plumbing, wiring, vac system, ducting. Although the space below is unfinished, it is still used, work bench area, sewing storage, wine storage, seasonal items, etc. I don't know if additional beams are a realistic option. I have only been there for a quick "Could you take a look at......". I need to get back in with a tape and a camera.
I don't really understand what you're wanting to do. If you're thinking you could disassemble the floor truses and then reassemble them to be a shallower depth, I'd say that's all but impossible. If you're wondering if they could take the added weight of tile, someone would have to look at the specific truss and the specific situation to answer that one. If I'm not understand what you're thinking let me know and I'll try answer your question.
Borrow money from pessimists - they don't expect it back.
Would you consider adding a beam under the trusses? If you reduce the span, you can recuce the height.
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Would you consider adding a beam under the trusses? If you reduce the span, you can recuce the height.
Floor trusses are engineered for specific bearing points, either at the top or bottom chord. You cannot change the bearing point without re-engineering the trusses.Riversong HouseWright
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If you remove the 3/4" subfloor in the shower pan area and run it between the floor trusses instead of on them, you would gain that 3/4". Then lay down a 3/4" - 7/8" mudpack floor over the entire bathroom, pitch the mud to the drain, and use either a paint on waterproofing membrane (http://www.merkrete.com) or schluter kerdi instead of a pan liner. The extra 3/4" gained by lowering the subfloor should allow enough room for the proper pitch.
Edited 1/27/2008 1:02 am by seajai
Thanks for your ideas. The more I kick around ideas the more I come to the conclusion that I can only gain space above the floor. Too much build up may create an akward transition into the adjacent room.
we have waterproofed the floor with Schluter, installed the tiles with almost flat slope to the drain. Then installed a 1x4 granite "plate" over the tiles, then glass walls on top. Sealed all joints and advised customer to seal granite occasionally.
This system may not pass inspections in certain jurisdiction since they might still be hooked on the 6" curb system.
Looks nice. How did you seal the granite plate to the tile? Are you concerned with water wicking back under the granite?"Put your creed in your deed." Emerson
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
for the plate I used liberate silicone, both for adhesive and for sealing. Since granite is porous, a waterproof finish is recommended and should be maintained throughout
Sorry I got the wrong picture. This one shows the floor better
Looks like you have what we call flat floor trusses. 2x4 top and bottom cord. I would never touch the trusses. To modify them would be too costly. Essential you would replace the whole floor. Beams to cut the span down might not work either since it would change the load bearing on the crossbracing. These trusses were made for the specific floorarea.
Depending on the spans, you could "subsitute" shorter joists along side the existing floor trusses.
Possibly I-joists or LVL's in the area of the shower floor. After installing them and shimming the areas that you didn't want to change the subfloor height, you could cut out the floor trusses ASSUMING you choose a joist size and spacing that will carry the load.
Well worth getting an engineer's opinoin.
Terry
Floor trusses like roof trusses and ALL other trusses are NOT to be field modified.
Especially the top or bottom edges, be they 2X4 or otherwise.
Lots of good ideas here, but all seem like a lot of trouble to gain 3/4".