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convert Howe(k) truss to attic truss

convert Howe(k) truss to attic truss

convert Howe(k) truss to attic truss

(OP)
I have a garage with common truses, 8/12 pitch, 28' span, 24" centers, 1/2" osb sheeting, 2x4 construction with nailed and glued plywood connection plates.  I would love to convert to attic trusses with a 12' to 14' opening with about a 7' ceiling.  A couple questions, can this be retrofitted?  What would the best method be?
Thanks in advance for help.
Kurt

RE: convert Howe(k) truss to attic truss

You have not given anywhere near enough info. for anyone to properly analyze the situation. Things like exact truss configuration, loading, grade of each type of wood used, each connection size with size and quanity of plywood, nails, etc. would be needed.

I have my doubts whether you would be able to do anything for reasonable cost but you would need to hire a structural engineer to analyze this situation.

Good luck!




RE: convert Howe(k) truss to attic truss

I've not seen too many nailed and glued plywood plates on PE wood trusses. How old are they?
I would not expect it to be viable to convert these to attic trusses. In most cases, the avaiable height is not really there. You may want to draw the actual truss to scale and see what kind of space is available.  
I have been asked this question a few times. Generally it is more workable if you can introduce a beam (usualy steel) under the trusses somewhere that spans the garage width. Then use 2x 8 or 2x10 for the floor and build walls to support the top chord components to act as rafters.
Usually I find that to create enough room within the truss, you loose too much of the diagonal components and do not have triagulation (enough to get truss behavior).

Good luck

RE: convert Howe(k) truss to attic truss

(OP)
These are about 9 years old. all 2x4 construction. vertical member at center of span and 7' from each end with a diagonal between each.
Build by an old timer here in northern illinois.  I would expect about 7' or so in the middle with about a 5' knee wall on each side. Use a girder truss for the beam?

Thanks to all for help.

RE: convert Howe(k) truss to attic truss

Sounds like they might not be PE trusses. Not that they aren't a good product but PE trusses are a specific thing (they follow specific proceedures etc.)
In any event, depending on heel height, I'd be surprised if you have as much head height as you are hoping for. If you can not introduce a beam underneath the trusses and basically convert things into stick framing behavior, I think it will be tough to reinforce the trusses to work as trusses.
Start with a plan of the space below and a section of the existing truss drawn to scale. Note where the truss pieces are spliced too.
Good luck

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