i live in typical semi-detached three bedroom council house built in 1960's and need to know how to remove the roof trusses
2006-07-08 08:38:05 · 10 answers · asked by ramo 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
Harder than boling an egg but easier than building a 747 with your bare hands - everythings relative
2006-07-08 10:28:38 · answer #1 · answered by daveheez 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Remove the roof trusses??? I assume you are going to replace the entire roof, including new rafters???? If you are thinking you can just saw away the cross members and bracing, leaving the roof intact, hang it up! Your roof will collapse with you under it! The only type of roof that can be relatively cross strut free is a barn pole type with rafters. But even then, there must be cross ties every so often, allow about 6' if you really build the roof heavily and have plenty of interior walls anchored well to prevent wall spread. You are in way over your head...don't go there! This work requires a highly competent architect, serious building permits, and a very good builder. I strongly suggest changing direction NOW!
2006-07-08 15:46:32 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ok, so you want to build a loft...
Well, first off, you need to get a structural engineer to see if it can be done!!
One thing, you need to "tie in" the roof to the walls. (Since they are only "laying" on top of the walls, by virtue of the weight in most cases).
Now, after your Structual engineer tells you if it can be done or not, then you have to replace the 2X4 construction that is being held up by the walls, with 2X8s in the least for short spans. (personally I like 2X12s for the long spans).
Longer spans, (more than 15 feet will require larger lumber or boards that are sistered together for strenght, unless your using this 'new lumber stuff' that looks like osb board sandwiched between 2X4s...then you have to check with the manufactorer on the strenght and durability of the lenght you wish to cover).
Use standard tounge and groove for the flooring, either the slats or large sheets of plywood with T&G.
After that, you need to build "knee walls" (short walls, that will "be" your walls as you are not liable to redo the entire roof structure, also assuming you have a 'standard roof'). Insulate behind those walls, so you have the heat and cold out.
Now, you will insulate the "ceiling" which will be your roof. You will be using either R-13, or if its a 2X8 construction R-19. (You HAVE to leave a channel for heat to escape out the "roof ridge", ITS A MUST!!).
Put wiring in, and lights. Also, gables are a nice touch for light in the place.
I wish you well..
Jesse
2006-07-08 15:51:47 · answer #3 · answered by x 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
u need 2 put 4 steel beams across roof from wall 2 wall 2 hold roof up before u cut anything there is a firm in belfast that do the lot for 4 grand
2006-07-09 09:25:04 · answer #4 · answered by ronnie 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you will need planning permission if you want to sell your house in the future as for removing the trusses ask somebody you know in the building trade for advice you may not need to remove them
2006-07-10 12:46:53 · answer #5 · answered by cookedermott 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You cant remove trusses without killing yourself.
get in an engineer.
2006-07-15 05:12:02 · answer #6 · answered by lontopcat 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask an expert. Everything has to meet building regs.
2006-07-08 15:41:19 · answer #7 · answered by andyhpt1982 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its not something you should do yourself,get a pro to do it,or your roof might come off
2006-07-09 16:38:15 · answer #8 · answered by brianthesnail123 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
very hard and dirty get some one in to help you.
2006-07-08 15:41:32 · answer #9 · answered by scooby.doo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
depends what it is made of
2006-07-09 07:59:36 · answer #10 · answered by tigerman 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋