Modifying Trusses To Create An Attic Bedroom

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Modifying trusses to create an attic bedroom.

Use a plumb bob on a string to find the point on the upper cords or rafters of your. Replacing the standard w shaped trusses with steel beams across the length of the floor allows you to create a much larger and functional attic space for the house. How to alter existing roof trusses for an attic room. You can modify the trusses but it s an enormous amount of work.

The upper cords or rafters form the peak of the roof. Select build wall straight exterior wallfrom the menu then click and drag to draw a rectangular structure. Because attic trusses require specific conditions to be met before they can be created we ll begin by drawing a simple structure that meets those requirements. Select file new planfrom the menu to open a new blank plan.

Trusses must be modified to allow room for attic space. The trussed rafters loft conversion process is a cost effective method of adding more volume and value to your property provided you re not in any violation of building codes in your area. 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. The trusses are double cantilever style.

The lower cord or joist forms the lower horizontal of the triangle supporting the attic floor and top floor s ceiling. 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. The easiest way to do this is by building a rafter system from inside the attic in the area to be modified.

I guarantee you he ll come up with a design that requires you to install a much larger bottom chord. However this is not as easy as it sounds and it still requires some oversight input from an engineer. It s a 12 12 roof so that s a good 11 at the ridge which even with new floor joists and a 5 knee wall should be plenty of room for a nice space. A typical roof truss has six main parts.