Strengthening Existing Roof Trusses

Trusses usually come in standard sizes but this is not always the case especially in older buildings.

Strengthening existing roof trusses.

Measure from the center of the truss to the outside corner. Divide this measurement in two and mark the spot. Sean o connor of robbins engineering in tampa fl designers plate fabricators and truss system engineers explains that roof trusses create a stronger roof structure because they are. 2x4s spanning 28 with breaks are clearly not up to the task of holding up plywood and sleepers parenthetically not sure why sleepers seem like a good idea but i digress much less whatever stuff you and future occupants load.

2 beam fastened to posts. Using a caulking gun apply a 1 4 inch bead of wood adhesive along the intersection of the roof deck and the roof. Cut the 2 by 4 in line. Standard size trusses are either 5 5 inches or 3 5 inches in width.

At places where you have limited access to each side of the roof support such as the gable end of the house use. Lay a 2 by 4 across the truss with its bottom end on the top edge of the lower cord and centered on the mark. Temporary bracing to accommodate the load of the existing roof boarding and roof materials. Apply construction adhesive along the edge of the truss to strengthen the connection to the plywood roof deck.

Examine the trusses in your attic and determine which ones need to be repaired or strengthened. 3 part of the existing rafter due for strengthening. In this situation the walls of a finished attic space or room would go with the roof line. Measure the length and width of the truss.

Put on the adhesive as you would caulk. Stiffen trusses by joining them with 2x4s running from one end of the house to the other. Extra support for the trusses can be made by placing a 2 by 4 inch piece of lumber from each truss on one side to the truss on the other side high enough to provide head room but low enough to provide support for the trusses.