Modifying Roof Trusses

How to modify roof trusses step 1.

Modifying roof trusses.

Don t modify cut wood trusses. These trusses are usually engineered by a structural engineering company to carry a specific roof load. 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. Click here to get free fast bids from local structural engineers who can help you modify your trusses.

Measure the width of the truss. Use a circular saw to. If you really want to modify the framing of your attic and roof then consult with a licensed professional structural engineer. 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.

To do this i d have to cut out and raise the bottom chords of the trusses. I guarantee you he ll come up with a design that requires you to install a much larger bottom chord. 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. 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.

Also if you decide to do this you must work hand in hand with a licensed structural engineer that s familiar with wood trusses. If you live in a house with engineered manufactured trusses then don t mess with them. A structural engineer who knows all about roof truss design may be able to come up with a design that allows you to modify all the small angled pieces of 2x4 that connect between the top and bottom chords. 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.

Step 1 measure the width of your roof trusses from inside to inside. My recommendation is really simple. One use of trusses is for the support of a roof they are similar to roof rafters. Home owners should avoid cutting or modifying their roof trusses.

Login or register to download the pdf version of this article. When a truss becomes damaged cut or modified there is a chance of a structural overload or that they will not perform properly.