Finishing Attic Space With Trusses

You can t simply cut out or alter these supports without seriously undermining the integrity of the roof structure.

Finishing attic space with trusses.

If you have this type of roof framing you cannot finish your attic without rebuilding the roof. This is the end wall of the attic above my garage. If you have trusses it will be next to impossible to reconfigure them to allow for clear space. Trusses are like big structural triangles that have angled top pieces that serve as rafters horizontal pieces that serve as floor joists and interconnecting web pieces that give the triangle strength.

Rafters internal beams extending from the peak of the roof to its eaves provide a center open space that you can readily remodel. I didn t build this house but the architect did everyone a favor by making the vast space above the 40 foot long garage out of attic trusses. Ironically though it s the rafters that provide a better environment for an attic conversion because of the clear space. This framing style typically provides the most open space in an attic.

Trusses are considered a superior method of framing a roof because of the additional support. By contrast conventional trusses have supports called webbing that zigzag through the attic space. The structural framing beneath your roof rafters or trusses will determine if you can add an attic bedroom and what it might look like. Trusses w shaped framing that supports the roof make things harder.