Modifying Garage Roof Trusses

We looked at the structural arrangement of the garage and the surrounding area.

Modifying garage roof trusses.

My recommendation is really simple. When a truss becomes damaged cut or modified there is a chance of a structural overload or that they will not perform properly. One use of trusses is for the support of a roof they are similar to roof rafters. 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. Click here to get free fast bids from local structural engineers who can help you modify your trusses. Attic conversions are now possible by replacing the truss rafters with a shaped trusses or horizontal beams which in return create additional space. Home owners should avoid cutting or modifying their roof trusses.

Don t modify cut wood trusses. Position the 2 by 4 so that the mark you made is on its inside edge with the width of the board against the upper and lower cords on the outside of the mark toward the eaves. 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. 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. 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. Step 1 measure the width of your roof trusses from inside to inside. 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.