Modifying Trusses To Create An Attic Bedroom

A typical roof truss has six main parts.

Modifying trusses to create an attic bedroom.

However this is not as easy as it sounds and it still requires some oversight input from an engineer. The attic space is 22 on the side parallel to the trusses 28 on the other side. Select file new planfrom the menu to open a new blank plan. The easiest way to do this is by building a rafter system from inside the attic in the area to be modified.

You can modify the trusses but it s an enormous amount of work. Measure the width of your roof trusses from inside to inside. 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. I have seen situations where someone wants to build a room in an attic that has existing trusses.

Select build wall straight exterior wallfrom the menu then click and drag to draw a rectangular structure. Trusses must be modified to allow room for attic space. The lower cord or joist forms the lower horizontal of the triangle supporting the attic floor and top floor s ceiling. Click here to get free fast bids from local structural engineers who can help you modify your trusses.

The upper cords or rafters form the peak of the roof. 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. The trusses are double cantilever style. Also if you decide to do this you must work hand in hand with a licensed structural engineer that s familiar with wood trusses.

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. Measure in from the lower edge of the roof to a point 1 4 the width of the. I guarantee you he ll come up with a design that requires you to install a much larger bottom chord. 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.