Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Oct 06, 1999 03:34pm | #1

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   Raphael -

   What span are we dealing with ? What pitch ? Also, what exactly do you mean by a "kingpost truss ?

2. 
   Raphael_Del_Riego | Oct 07, 1999 03:04am | #2

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   Ron - Dealing with 24'and 20' spans 12/4 slope. The truss I refer to is a very common and simple one - essentially an isosceles triangle with a vertical support post between the apex and the base.

3. 
   Guest_ | Oct 07, 1999 06:27am | #3

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   Raphael:

   The rule of thumb is that trusses cannot be modified in any way. If you really want to do this you need to hire a PE (profesional engineer).

1. 
   Guest_ | Oct 07, 1999 03:25pm | #4

   *Raphael -With only a 4/12 pitch to work with, you couldn't get much headroom anyway. A ridge beam and collar ties would probably be your best route, going from inside. But you're talking a real mess, and a ton of labor. You may be better off to tear off the roof, and replace the whole thing. May be cheaper in the long run.

1. 
   Guest_ | Oct 07, 1999 05:46pm | #5

   *I agree Matt and Ron. - jb

4. 
   Tight-Fisted_Folkie | Oct 07, 1999 05:54pm | #6

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   Ron's idea makes sense to me, as well.

   Furthermore, the post in a king-post truss does nothing to provide support to the ridge....rather, it serves to carry vertical load TO the ridge. In your case, the 4/12 slope presents some rather vulnerable rafters that would be best served with mid-span cross-ties.

   Brian

1. 
   Rod_Rauschenbach | Oct 10, 1999 09:00am | #7

   *Ancient saying' "He who chop truss make building inspector gods very angry."

5. 
   Raphael_Del_Riego | Oct 10, 1999 09:00am | #8

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   Would like to create more headroom (8'existing) in 1950's split-level with 2x4 king-post trusses 24" O.C..
   > 1. Is it possible to modify existing trusses to scissor truss configuration or;
   > 2. double up half the trusses and remove the other half creating 48" O.C. bays, with purlins and ridge supports between trusses and then raising the ceiling 18" between trusses exposing the bottom chord or;
   > 3. add rafters to top chords, add ridge beam and collar ties, remove bottom chords and create a cathedral ceiling or;
   > 4. lump it and live with 8' ceilings.