Attaching Rafters to existing roof truss'

houstonbrama · 08-20-2008, 09:19 PM

I want to build a lean to on the side of my shed. The problem is, the shed roof is to low to come off the side. Can I cut away aprox. 5' off my metal roof, attach 2x6 rafters to the existing truss then run the other end of my rafter out to 6x6 post? I don't think there would really be much load on the rafters at the truss connection but I could be wrong. Any help would be great. I inserted a pic to help.

**Termite** · 08-20-2008, 09:32 PM

It could potentially work...Potentially.

The trusses are designed with members that are often smaller than they would be if the roof were conventionally framed. The pieces work in conjunction with each other to get the structural work done.

The introduction of a load point on each truss will definately change its performance, and it will likely require some beefing up. Removal of the roof sheathing will also likely necessitate some bracing of the top chords.

I'd recommend involving a structural engineer to make sure you don't create any structural issues.

**AtlanticWBConst.** · 08-20-2008, 09:36 PM

There's more to that "little" project than you think (what you have laid out in your post).

KCT touches on some facets, but there are many others, to figure out and do.

houstonbrama · 08-20-2008, 09:40 PM

There's no sheathing under neath. The metal roof is attached straight to perlins. What if I added some support on my exterior wall frame. Maybe some doubled up 2x10's that would extend up to the new rafters. Then the rafters would more or less be tied to the truss's for mear balance I guess. This is a pole building by the way. Sorry I forgot to mention that.

houstonbrama · 08-20-2008, 09:45 PM

Atalantic, what are you thinking about?

James Con · 08-21-2008, 12:43 AM

What's wrong with doing what you did on the other side of the shed? That looks similar to what you want to do. I think it will look wierd if you don't duplicate what is already on the barn as far as matching both sides.

houstonbrama · 08-21-2008, 02:28 AM

James C,
The only way to duplicate the lean to that I have on the other side is to excavate on the side I want to build on. there is a huge slope on that side of the shed. If I excavate then I'll create a huge mess when it rains. Right now it all drains nice.

James Con · 08-21-2008, 02:39 AM

It's hard to see the slope in the picture, So your taking the picture from the top side of the slope. I hear what your saying.

08-20-2008, 09:19 PM	#1
houstonbrama Newbie Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 24	Attaching Rafters to existing roof truss' I want to build a lean to on the side of my shed. The problem is, the shed roof is to low to come off the side. Can I cut away aprox. 5' off my metal roof, attach 2x6 rafters to the existing truss then run the other end of my rafter out to 6x6 post? I don't think there would really be much load on the rafters at the truss connection but I could be wrong. Any help would be great. I inserted a pic to help. Attached Thumbnails

08-20-2008, 09:32 PM	#2
Termite Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 6,520	Attaching Rafters to existing roof truss' It could potentially work...Potentially. The trusses are designed with members that are often smaller than they would be if the roof were conventionally framed. The pieces work in conjunction with each other to get the structural work done. The introduction of a load point on each truss will definately change its performance, and it will likely require some beefing up. Removal of the roof sheathing will also likely necessitate some bracing of the top chords. I'd recommend involving a structural engineer to make sure you don't create any structural issues.

08-20-2008, 09:36 PM	#3
AtlanticWBConst. Lic. Builder/GC/Remodeler Join Date: May 2006 Location: New England Posts: 7,554	Attaching Rafters to existing roof truss' There's more to that "little" project than you think (what you have laid out in your post). KCT touches on some facets, but there are many others, to figure out and do. __________________ - Build Well -

08-20-2008, 09:40 PM	#4
houstonbrama Newbie Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 24	Attaching Rafters to existing roof truss' There's no sheathing under neath. The metal roof is attached straight to perlins. What if I added some support on my exterior wall frame. Maybe some doubled up 2x10's that would extend up to the new rafters. Then the rafters would more or less be tied to the truss's for mear balance I guess. This is a pole building by the way. Sorry I forgot to mention that.

08-20-2008, 09:45 PM	#5
houstonbrama Newbie Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 24	Attaching Rafters to existing roof truss' Atalantic, what are you thinking about?

Attaching Rafters to existing roof truss'