Modifying Roof Trusses

One use of trusses is for the support of a roof they are similar to roof rafters.

Modifying roof trusses.

I m looking at a job that involves about 50 lf of framing changes in 3 different areas of the roof to an existing fink truss roof which will change to new vaulted ceilings. Measure the width of the truss. My recommendation is really simple. Use a chalk line to draw a line along the floor parallel to the lower edge of the roof from one end of the attic to the other on both sides.

If you live in a house with engineered manufactured trusses then don t mess with them. To do this i d have to cut out and raise the bottom chords of the trusses. When to modify trusses for attic space the trussed roof has a w shaped support system placed into triangular sections that are designed to maximize roof strength. If you really want to modify the framing of your attic and roof then consult with a licensed professional structural engineer.

Also if you decide to do this you must work hand in hand with a licensed structural engineer that s familiar with wood trusses. When a truss becomes damaged cut or modified there is a chance of a structural overload or that they will not perform properly. If the house is new enough that you know how built the trusses give them a call. Use a circular saw to.

At both of these marks position a 2 by 4 so that the bottom is on the floor and the top extends upward to a. These trusses are usually engineered by a structural engineering company to carry a specific roof load. Usually chosen for low cost materials and production fees the trussed roof eliminates potential living space due to its large frame. Login or register to download the pdf version of this article.

Click here to get free fast bids from local structural engineers who can help you modify your trusses. If you modify the existing trusses i have one suggestion. Home owners should avoid cutting or modifying their roof trusses. That way the last few feet at each end of the truss will not have to be modified and the changes should be less extensive.

Step 1 measure the width of your roof trusses from inside to inside. Rather than trying to make a scissor truss do a raised center. You can modify the trusses but it s an enormous amount of work. The engineer has detailed modifying the trusses by sistering on new 2x rafters and adding new structural ridges.

How to modify roof trusses step 1. Measure in from each side wall a distance equal to 1 4 of the total width of the.