Reinforcing Roof Truss Frames Under Load

If you have a stick frame roof there are a few basic techniques that you can use to strengthen your rafters.

Reinforcing roof truss frames under load.

Reinforcing roof truss frames under load. Connect roof sheathing to the roof framing with ten penny weight common or eight penny weight ring shank nails. Truss framed roof systems with high pitched top chords and horizontal bottom chords have a smaller weak axis moment of inertia than say a flat roof or floor joists and under shear load will tend to deflect more in weak axis bending. Compromised trusses can lead to severe structural problems such as bowing exterior walls sagging ridge lines and roof collapse.

Without altering the roof structure of an industrial boiler plant a long span steel truss frame was modified in place to support heavier loads. If dead loads must be hung from trusses then extra support can be provided by installing support beams perpendicular to the trusses reducing the span of the bottom chords and increasing their ability to carry the weight load. Replacement of a two field electrostatic precipitator. These are usually accomplished during a complete re roofing.

Snow increases the overall weight of your roof adding to the forces acting on your rafters. Top and bottom chords in compression can buckle laterally if not braced or appropriately reinforced. Strengthening existing roof rafters is a difficult process that often requires professional help. Use wood adhesive underneath the sheathing along the connecting joint with the roof trusses.