Altering a garage roof
Discussion
I'm keen to have a 4 post lift in my garage. It will physically fit but the roof trusses are a usual triangular shape, 2 sides to put tiles on and then a cross member to strengthen.
Unfortunately the cross member will severely restrict any lifting height so is it possible to have the roof structure strengthened to allow me to remove the cross members?
The plan would be to put the extra beams in and then cut out the cross members so as to avoid having to strip the roof.
Unfortunately the cross member will severely restrict any lifting height so is it possible to have the roof structure strengthened to allow me to remove the cross members?
The plan would be to put the extra beams in and then cut out the cross members so as to avoid having to strip the roof.
Yes,
but you'll need a structural engineer and a decent joiner!
The weight of the roof acts down through the walls, but also has an outward thrust, which is constrained by the trusses. You can move the cross members up, but you are going to need to strengthen them, possibly doubling up the sloping ones too.
Alternatively you could put a ring of steel beams in to take the forces, but it's going to be an order of cost more expensive (IMHO).
Seek professional advice.
but you'll need a structural engineer and a decent joiner!
The weight of the roof acts down through the walls, but also has an outward thrust, which is constrained by the trusses. You can move the cross members up, but you are going to need to strengthen them, possibly doubling up the sloping ones too.
Alternatively you could put a ring of steel beams in to take the forces, but it's going to be an order of cost more expensive (IMHO).
Seek professional advice.
Yes, as yer man above states it can be done.
If you have gables each side too it becomes much easier, as you can run some "purlins " across .
For a simple garage roof a chippie with some "wood " and a bag of screws will see a quick result .
To strengthen up what is left , you may be glueing and screwing a sheet of ply to the sides of the truss.
Recently cut some out for a loft conversion on a large span and was surprised what little in the way of extra supports the engineer needed , and that was carrying a full floor load on the bottom chord.
A structural engineer experienced in domestic type of work is what you really want though.
If you have gables each side too it becomes much easier, as you can run some "purlins " across .
For a simple garage roof a chippie with some "wood " and a bag of screws will see a quick result .
To strengthen up what is left , you may be glueing and screwing a sheet of ply to the sides of the truss.
Recently cut some out for a loft conversion on a large span and was surprised what little in the way of extra supports the engineer needed , and that was carrying a full floor load on the bottom chord.
A structural engineer experienced in domestic type of work is what you really want though.
Busamav said:
If you have gables each side too it becomes much easier, as you can run some "purlins " across.
Yes, a TDA truss type approach would be best.Busamav said:
Recently cut some out for a loft conversion on a large span and was surprised what little in the way of extra supports the engineer needed , and that was carrying a full floor load on the bottom chord.
For this job I think that you'll need an eaves beam to resist the lateral thrust - the job done by your floor. For a gap the size of a car steel beams would work best. Cutting out the trusses that are in the way won't be easy with lats nailed to each one.Busamav said:
A structural engineer experienced in domestic type of work is what you really want though.
Quite. He'll have to size up the above, work out the cross bracing and design all of the connections (probably the hardest part.)Gassing Station | Homes, Gardens and DIY | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff