ᐅ Attic space in a gable roof with a 22-degree pitch

Created on: 13 Aug 2019 18:05
L
Listhom
Hello everyone,

we are currently planning a new build with dimensions of 10 x 12 meters (33 x 39 feet), two full floors without a basement, and a gable roof with a 22-degree pitch (without dormers, windows, etc.). Since we need storage space, our idea is to make the attic accessible via a hatch and use it as a storage area. We understand that the attic only provides limited usable space, but it would be sufficient for some storage needs. However, our architect advised against this, stating that the space is not usable.

We would reject an open roof structure due to insulation reasons. So, the question is more or less whether to make the attic accessible or to cover it with a suspended ceiling.

We would appreciate your feedback on whether you consider such use practical and what your experiences are.

Thank you!
tomtom796 Mar 2020 11:26
The roof pitch is determined partly by the zoning plan (building permit / planning permission) and partly by the roof tile manufacturer—"many are only watertight starting at 22 degrees."

And, last but not least, the homeowner.
E
Escroda
6 Mar 2020 11:32
Shiny86 schrieb:

Does it make a difference in storage space whether you have a 22° or 25° hipped roof?
Yes.
10/2 * TAN(25°) = 2.56m (8.4 ft) maximum height under the ridge, which is a good half meter (about 1.6 ft) more than at 22° – meaning you can still stand in the middle and more comfortably store and retrieve larger volumes.
H
halmi
6 Mar 2020 12:04
We have 8.2m x 12m (27ft x 39ft) with a 22° roof pitch over two full floors as a warm roof. You can’t stand in the middle, but the space is simply huge and, in my opinion, invaluable if you don’t have a basement.
S
Shiny86
6 Mar 2020 12:14
Ok, thanks. The construction company suggested 22°C (72°F) to us. A neighbor will also build with 22°C (72°F). The allowed temperature is 25°C (77°F). We increased ours from 22°C to 25°C. We are building without a basement. So we did everything correctly. I just didn’t know how significant the difference is and whether the additional cost is worth it.
11ant6 Mar 2020 12:40
Shiny86 schrieb:

I just didn’t know how big the difference was and whether the extra cost was worth it.

We didn’t either, since we don’t know the extra cost in your case. From the exit point of your retractable staircase, I don’t see a significant difference, and for storage space, it’s not the standing height there that matters but rather the critical area at the edge: with a 22° pitch, you gain 50 cm (20 inches) in height after 1.24 m (4 ft) from the edge, and with a 25° pitch, after 1.07 m (3.5 ft) — so only 17 cm (7 inches) sooner. That’s negligible; you’d only notice the difference with a lot of athletic effort. The only real added benefit I see would be if someone like @Nordlys decided to install a “proper” staircase to the attic — but for that, your staircase location doesn’t seem suitable.
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-XIII-
6 Mar 2020 13:08
We have a mansard roof with a 22° pitch in the hip roof area as well. We are also having a retractable attic ladder installed and have only 1.3 m (4 ft 3 in) of finished clearance at the highest point. We decided to do this primarily for maintenance reasons and are happy to make use of the additional storage space. The highly insulated retractable ladder, including tongue-and-groove paneling and installation, costs less than 1000 euros. In my opinion, the price-performance ratio is quite good.

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