Strengthening Existing Roof Trusses

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.

Strengthening existing roof trusses.

Apply construction adhesive along the edge of the truss to strengthen the connection to the plywood roof deck. Trusses usually come in standard sizes but this is not always the case especially in older buildings. Standard size trusses are either 5 5 inches or 3 5 inches in width. Measure from the center of the truss to the outside corner.

Stiffen trusses by joining them with 2x4s running from one end of the house to the other. 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. 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. Examine the trusses in your attic and determine which ones need to be repaired or strengthened.

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. At places where you have limited access to each side of the roof support such as the gable end of the house use. Measure the length and width of the truss. In this situation the walls of a finished attic space or room would go with the roof line.

Temporary bracing to accommodate the load of the existing roof boarding and roof materials. Put on the adhesive as you would caulk. Divide this measurement in two and mark the spot. 2 beam fastened to posts.

Cut the 2 by 4 in line. How to strengthen trusses step 1. Using a caulking gun apply a 1 4 inch bead of wood adhesive along the intersection of the roof deck and the roof.