Can I Raise the Bottom Chord of My Existing Trusses?

I’m looking for input on whether it’s smart (well, I don't care about smart--I just don't want to cause serious problems down the road) to modify the existing trusses in my detached garage/shed, which was built in the 1930s. The structure is framed with 2x4 lumber. The trusses span approximately 18 feet. The current configuration is: Bottom chord: A single 2x4, nearly 18 feet long, spanning the width of the building (I know, I can't believe it either). Top chords: Also 2x4s that meet at a ridge and tie into 1x6 ridge board. King post: Present, made of 1x6. Two web members: Also 1x6 material, forming a basic triangular truss shape. The bottom chord does not sit directly on the top plate, but appears to be fastened to the top chords with two nails on each side and that's basically it. My goal is to raise the bottom chord—essentially shortening it—to create more headroom in the garage/ shed. I guess my concern is that the bottom chords are used to keep the shed/ garage walls from bowing out... but maybe that's not really a concern, I'm just not sure. I got this idea from this post here and this is sort of what I'm going for. Any thoughts? submitted by /u/KiSol [link] [comments]

Apr 6, 2025 - 00:18

I’m looking for input on whether it’s smart (well, I don't care about smart--I just don't want to cause serious problems down the road) to modify the existing trusses in my detached garage/shed, which was built in the 1930s.

The structure is framed with 2x4 lumber. The trusses span approximately 18 feet. The current configuration is:

Bottom chord: A single 2x4, nearly 18 feet long, spanning the width of the building (I know, I can't believe it either).
Top chords: Also 2x4s that meet at a ridge and tie into 1x6 ridge board.
King post: Present, made of 1x6.
Two web members: Also 1x6 material, forming a basic triangular truss shape.
The bottom chord does not sit directly on the top plate, but appears to be fastened to the top chords with two nails on each side and that's basically it.

My goal is to raise the bottom chord—essentially shortening it—to create more headroom in the garage/ shed. I guess my concern is that the bottom chords are used to keep the shed/ garage walls from bowing out... but maybe that's not really a concern, I'm just not sure.

I got this idea from this post here and this is sort of what I'm going for.

Any thoughts?

submitted by /u/KiSol
[link] [comments]