Modifying Roof Trusses

Click here to get free fast bids from local structural engineers who can help you modify your trusses.

Modifying roof trusses.

Measure in from the lower edge of the roof to a point 1 4 the width of the truss on either side of the attic. 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. Step 1 measure the width of your roof trusses from inside to inside. My recommendation is really simple.

Rather than trying to make a scissor truss do a raised center. Usually chosen for low cost materials and production fees the trussed roof eliminates potential living space due to its large frame. 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. You can modify the trusses but it s an enormous amount of work.

One use of trusses is for the support of a roof they are similar to roof rafters. The engineer has detailed modifying the trusses by sistering on new 2x rafters and adding new structural ridges. If you modify the existing trusses i have one suggestion. Measure in from each side wall a distance equal to 1 4 of the total width of the.

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. 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 the house is new enough that you know how built the trusses give them a call. Login or register to download the pdf version of this article.

My client wants to add a 16 inch wide 4 inch deep tray ceiling in a room where the drywall ceiling is attached to the bottom chord of roof trusses. These trusses are usually engineered by a structural engineering company to carry a specific roof load. 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. Don t modify cut wood trusses.

How to modify roof trusses step 1. Use a circular saw to. Also if you decide to do this you must work hand in hand with a licensed structural engineer that s familiar with wood trusses. Measure the width of the truss.

Home owners should avoid cutting or modifying their roof trusses. If you live in a house with engineered manufactured trusses then don t mess with them.