Modify Trusses to Raise Ceiling Height

[envision]

The garage I want to put my simulator in has a ceiling height of 8 ft 5 inches. I would like to raise it about a foot so I can swing my driver. Has anyone done this and if so, how did you do it and do you have any pictures showing the process? My concern is my roof will begin to sag if I don't support things correctly once I cut the trusses.

[Brandon]

Sight unseen it would be hard to say exactly but you should be able to raise a few of the ceiling joist and move them up to create collar ties. Not sure if you need to do the whole ceiling or just a few in your swing area. There's a few ways to go about it and overall not very difficult, not sure how handy you are?
To be safe you may want to bring in a local carpenter to have a look but I'd say it's very doable.
I've been in some form of construction for over 20 years, currently I build cabinetry and furniture so I'm a bit out of practice with the framing aspect of building. My father framed houses for 30+ years so I've seen and done a bunch.

Google collar ties vs rafter ties or ceiling joists for a visual

[envision]

Thanks Brandon I do just need to raise a few in my swing area. With them being 2 ft on center, I would probably only need to raise 2-3 of them to achieve the needed space. I'll crawl up in the attic and check things out.

[aeroburner]

very simple to do just need a few pics

[envision]

The garage is 32 ft x 20 ft. I sectioned off the garage for my simulator by building a wall (as indicated on the drawing) 10 ft from one end and it is going the entire 20 ft width. This wall will support the trusses right underneath where the truss supports make a V shape, which is 10 ft from the end wall. My plan is to then create collar ties 2 ft. above where the original ceiling joist section is and then cut that section out to raise the ceiling the needed 2 ft. I will only need to do this to 3 or 4 of the trusses as that will provide plenty of room for my swing. Does this seem like it will work and still provide the needed support to keep the roof from sagging?


Ok, so I went ahead and inserted the collar ties {see pics). If this looks good, I will cut out the original ceiling joist sections and begin to box it back in.

[G4zzel]

Hi,
I have the same issue. Here is a picture of my attic, Brandon do you think it is possible to raise my roof as well? I only need 20 inches or something like that. And only at 2-3 beams.

[envision]

Brandon aeroburner -- Any thoughts on my plans now that I have added pictures?

[Brandon]

Brandon aeroburner -- Any thoughts on my plans now that I have added pictures?

Sorry for the delayed response. Looks perfectly fine to me. You did well by placing the supporting wall under the truss intersection.
Make sure to tie the wall in well with trusses and attach the new collar ties in with the existing rafters/ beams. Couple nails, both ways on each. I'm going to PM you and if you'd like to discuss over the phone I will.

[BGCurtis2nd]

Problem with cutting into a truss is the structure of it is based on the complete unit, modifying any section could cause a major fault in it. I ran a truss plan for three years, but I am no longer involved in designing trusses but when I was, I designed units that could be set in next to a truss so the ceiling could be modified. You need to find a truss plant in your area and talk to them.

[BGCurtis2nd]

This shows truss VS rafter, you may be able to plate a rafter each side of you trusses top-line and use the collar tie then.

[G4zzel]

Thanks, I spoke with a local engineer who works in constuction and has an computer-program to calculate pressure and such. I think i'll let him do the math and take it from there.

[2StrokestoFinish]

Hello G4zzel, I'm interested in doing the same thing with my garage and wondered if you had any success with the engineer. Thanks in advance!