Modifying Engineered Roof Trusses

Measure the width of the truss.

Modifying engineered roof trusses.

You can modify the trusses but it s an enormous amount of work. When a truss becomes damaged cut or modified there is a chance of a structural overload or that they will not perform properly. These trusses are usually engineered by a structural engineering company to carry a specific roof load. I think you ll find that this type of renovation will be extremely expensive and time consuming.

If you really want to modify the framing of your attic and roof then consult with a licensed professional structural engineer. To do this i d have to cut out and raise the bottom chords of the trusses. If you live in a house with engineered manufactured trusses then don t mess with them. Home owners should avoid cutting or modifying their roof trusses.

Also if you decide to do this you must work hand in hand with a licensed structural engineer that s familiar with wood trusses. 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 point. Mark the lower. Modifying roof trusses 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.

Measure in from each side wall a distance equal to 1 4 of the total width of the truss.