"Ken Moiarty" wrote in message
news:BYdwe.1819374$Xk.1125184@pd7tw3no...
Background: I'm trying to modify my attic a little bit in order to store
some things up there. Currently I'm busy fastening 3/4" plyboard over the
ceiling rafters (so objects to be stored won't crash thru the drywall
ceiling). However movement/activity up there is hampered by the fact that
the roof is supported by factory produced 2x4 trusses, as these are
composed of many cross members that switch back-and-forth at oblique
angles between the upper and lower rafter sections of each truss. It
would certainly make my attic storage efforts easier if some of these
cross-members could somehow be removed out of the way (that is... in such
a way as to not compromise the structural integrity of my roof, of
course).

Therefore I'm requesting feedback on the following idea: 'Sistering'
(i.e. reinforcing with) 2x6s to the topmost rafters, followed by removal
of some of the supporting cross-members of said trusses. Not being a
carpenter or structural engineer of any kind, I'm seeking informed
comments/advice from others before going further with this.

Thanks.

Ken



Ken,

Work with a truss manufacturer and their truss engineers. They have truss
design software that can run your project inside out and upside down. A
normal engineer can do it, but the truss manufacturers have the software to
work up calcs easily.

You might have to pay for this engineering, since you are not buying a truss
set.

David A.