attic conversion for hipped truss roof - is this possible?

emmeim

Does anyone know if this is even possible - our roof is a hipped roof, but also truss so there are timber trusses criss-crossing if that makes sense. Has anyone had an attic converted before like this?

Trhiggy83

emmeim wrote: »

Does anyone know if this is even possible - our roof is a hipped roof, but also truss so there are timber trusses criss-crossing if that makes sense. Has anyone had an attic converted before like this?

Ya its possible, just a matter of replacing the existing ties with alternative structural members to allow for a living space in the attic. Pretty standard stuff to a good builder

emmeim

great thanks, must get on to a few companies now to have a look at it.

Trhiggy83

emmeim wrote: »

great thanks, must get on to a few companies now to have a look at it.

Get quotes from as many people as possible, only way you will get a good price for the work you want done.

North West

Hi
An attic truss is designed to be self supporting across where they span. The design braces all timbers are an integral part of the supporting triangle of the truss. cutting or removing any part is weaking the structure of the truss. Your truss timbers would only be very light like 75mm x38mm and the integral web form is a structural design to carry roof weight. Consult an engineer first not a tradesman.
North West

mickdw

North West wrote: »

Hi
An attic truss is designed to be self supporting across where they span. The design braces all timbers are an integral part of the supporting triangle of the truss. cutting or removing any part is weaking the structure of the truss. Your truss timbers would only be very light like 75mm x38mm and the integral web form is a structural design to carry roof weight. Consult an engineer first not a tradesman.
North West

Very important advice above.
A truss roof needs to be understood before cutting into it. removong one member from a truss will render it useless & significant strutural members would have to be introduced to carry the loadings in an alternative way.
If the truss is compromised, its main structural members are suddenly nowhere near strong enough for the job.
Even a trustworthy builder who is aware of truss design & the requirements when altering them cannot be allowed to decide on what is required. Everything must be detailed by Engineer and inspected throughout. Depending on revisions, if a builder was to misplace a new member & therefore not provide the triangulation as required by design, the structure will not be to standard.

Its pretty scary to look along the roofs of some housing estates where many of the houses have attic conversions, the houses with the conversions in many instances have roofs showing alot of sagging.
One estate that was fitted with flat concrete tiles was particularily frightening

brendankelly

Listen to North West. Trusses should never be cut.

emmeim

great thanks for the advice.