On Sat, 22 Jul 2006 13:16:31 -0400, "CartMan"
wrote:


wondering if anyone has experience with making a room
out of attics that contain cross ties (bracing) between
the rafters on opposite sides.

i have an attic that i'm considering getting estimates
from engineers/architects to convert into livable space.

was curious how much work is involved in removing the
cross ties (that are now about 5 feet above the floor
joists, every 4 feet or so).

what's the engineering or framing principle to remove
them and not affect the rafters transmitting their load
to the bearing walls?

the rafters are squared up against a ridge beam.

i'd also have to relocate the AC unit & ducting, also
beef up the joists.

the main concern was the cross ties/bracing.

has anyone done any projects like this ?



Are you talking about collar beams? Go to the library and get a copy
of Chings illustrated construction or some other framing design book
and look at the various framing configurations and sizings. That will
probably tell you if it is worth hiring a structural engineer to look
at your specific case, which you should do if you go through with the
project.

If you're talking about collar beams and you only have one every four
feet, you might be able to put them on every rafter and raise them up
enough to get the head room you need.

Yes I've done a project where I had to sister the joists for floor
loading and add collar beams to recover some attic space that wasn't
predesigned for finishing.

Frank