Modifying Garage Roof Trusses

Home owners should avoid cutting or modifying their roof trusses.

Modifying garage roof trusses.

I looked at couple of alternates and determined that we could work from within the garage attic modify the existing trusses so that the top part in the middle of the roof will be piggy backed on the flat part of the bonus room. The role of the horizontal beam is to tie the truss together and carry the load that would otherwise be sustained by the support and vertical timber also known as the king post. Click here to get free fast bids from local structural engineers who can help you modify your trusses. Mark a line on each 2 by 4 at the top of the lower cord and the angled bottom of the upper cord.

If you really want to modify the framing of your attic and roof then consult with a licensed professional structural engineer. 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. We looked at the structural arrangement of the garage and the surrounding area. Attic conversions are now possible by replacing the truss rafters with a shaped trusses or horizontal beams which in return create additional space.

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. Step 1 measure the width of your roof trusses from inside to inside. Don t modify cut wood 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. If you live in a house with engineered manufactured trusses then don t mess with them. These trusses are usually engineered by a structural engineering company to carry a specific roof load. One use of trusses is for the support of a roof they are similar to roof rafters.