Altering trusses to clear a hoist.

[stricker76]

Long story short, have a 24'×45' shop (pole barn im told?) with a 10' ceiling that i am trying to fit my 2 post hoist into. Im looking at altering some trusses into scissor trusses. Ill only have to alter 4 trusses, im just not sure the best way to go about it. Here is a few pics of the current setup.



And here is where the truss meets the wall.



Basically looking for some tips on the best way to go about this?

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[OccupantRJ]

Although unusual, I would consider using the columns on a two post lift to help support the roof after truss modification. A large box header on top of the columns to tie the modified trusses together might do it. Someone is sure to say it can't be done.

 

[dogdas]

Long story short, have a 24'×45' shop (pole barn im told?) with a 10' ceiling that i am trying to fit my 2 post hoist into. Im looking at altering some trusses into scissor trusses. Ill only have to alter 4 trusses, im just not sure the best way to go about it. Here is a few pics of the current setup.



And here is where the truss meets the wall.



Basically looking for some tips on the best way to go about this?

Sent from my SM-G900W8 using Tapatalk

Spend the money and hire a truss engineer. It's not going to break you but living in Ontario you get snow and if you don't guess the proper way to do this you'll be lucky to have the roof collapse when you are not in there.

 

[wssix99]

Spend the money and hire a truss engineer. It's not going to break you but living in Ontario you get snow and if you don't guess the proper way to do this you'll be lucky to have the roof collapse when you are not in there.

+1 We rely on very skilled professionals to direct us in the best way to do these things.

Getting advice on something like this over the internet would be akin to avoiding the doctor and seeking do-it-yourself-colonoscopy advice. (You could probably do it. You might end up OK. Probably not the best idea.)

 

[The Cobbler]

Yes, you will need the trusses re-engineered ( if you can find someone to do it ) . if you know who manufactured them originally would be a good start .

 

[66cj225]

You could cut the building in half (45 ft axis) build knee or frost walls to achieve 12 ft to bottom of truss and reinstall building 1/2 on top of them. I wouldn't touch the trusses in snow country.

 

[HELLSUNICORN]

Although unusual, I would consider using the columns on a two post lift to help support the roof after truss modification. A large box header on top of the columns to tie the modified trusses together might do it. Someone is sure to say it can't be done.

Do not do this. A hoist moves around more than you think. You might be able to put a post next to the lift but don't tie into the lift itself.

 

[Kevin54]

Use common sense and it can be done. There have been a few members on here that have successfully done it. Although I am not good with names, but do a search for "truss alterations" and see what that shows. You will have to use OSB or plywood to box off and strengthen what you may cut out. Strengthening comes first before the cuts.

 

[Commendatore]

Please do not try to modify them without an engineered drawing.

 

[T_R]

Although unusual, I would consider using the columns on a two post lift to help support the roof after truss modification. A large box header on top of the columns to tie the modified trusses together might do it. Someone is sure to say it can't be done.

It can't be done.

Lift columns move a few inches at the top when the car tops out or shakes. You would tear the building apart.

 

[Mike Ward MB]

I'm considering the same thing. I got in touch with the truss manufacturer and he said that for $250 he would make a site visit and provide drawings of modifications and material required to install a raised section over the hoist and remove the middle section of the bottom chord of the trusses. The ceiling is 10' and 11' would make life a lot easier. Modifying four trusses would give me a 10' long pocket in the ceiling.
Little bit of material, shifting around and adding insulation, minor wiring changes and refinishing the ceiling, but mostly just my time. I'm thinking more and more how it would be so worth it!

 

[theoldwizard1]

At least in the US, if you make a modification to a buildings structure that is not done by a licensed architect/engineer you are 100% liable for any problems. You are typically required, by law, to disclose those modifications when the property is sold.

 

[mike93lx]

I'm considering the same thing. I got in touch with the truss manufacturer and he said that for $250 he would make a site visit and provide drawings of modifications and material required to install a raised section over the hoist and remove the middle section of the bottom chord of the trusses. The ceiling is 10' and 11' would make life a lot easier. Modifying four trusses would give me a 10' long pocket in the ceiling.
Little bit of material, shifting around and adding insulation, minor wiring changes and refinishing the ceiling, but mostly just my time. I'm thinking more and more how it would be so worth it!

For $250? That's a no-brainer. I'd say a deal at twice that price.

 

[AVIVIII]

1. That is stick built, not pole construction.

2. The RIGHT WAY to do this is to build ENGINEERED scissor trusses inside and then cut out the old truss.

You could possibly simulate the lateral force of the bottom chord by gusseting the middle "v" but I wouldn't.

Do you have the original engineering for the trusses? Is the company that made them still in business? No engineering firm that I know of is going to out their name on a chopped up version of someone else's truss.

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[rburke65]

What kind of roofing do you have? Could you remove a section, remove 4 trusses and replace with the scissor truss? Just a thought....

 

[LB-1911]

1. That is stick built, not pole construction.

2. The RIGHT WAY to do this is to build ENGINEERED scissor trusses inside and then cut out the old truss.

You could possibly simulate the lateral force of the bottom chord by gusseting the middle "v" but I wouldn't.

Do you have the original engineering for the trusses? Is the company that made them still in business? No engineering firm that I know of is going to out their name on a chopped up version of someone else's truss.

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Let me bring you up to speed - The thread was bumped - by the post below - The Original Poster stricker76 hasn't been back since - 10-23-2016.

Today 07:06 PM

I'm considering the same thing.

I got in touch with the truss manufacturer and he said that for $250 he would make a site visit and provide drawings of modifications and material required to install a raised section over the hoist and remove the middle section of the bottom chord of the trusses.

The ceiling is 10' and 11' would make life a lot easier.

Modifying four trusses would give me a 10' long pocket in the ceiling.

Little bit of material, shifting around and adding insulation, minor wiring changes and refinishing the ceiling, but mostly just my time.

I'm thinking more and more how it would be so worth it!

Yes it would be.

Good Luck w/ your project

 

[AVIVIII]

Let me bring you up to speed - The thread was bumped - by the post below - The Original Poster stricker76 hasn't been back since - 10-23-2016.

Sorry, tapatalk said it was an hour old...

FWIW, this is the quickest that I've ever gotten a snarky response from a "Senior Member" or Moderator. Thanks for that.

 

[sierradmax]

sell overhead lift & buy a baseplate 2 post?

 

[lakeroadster]

I'm considering the same thing. I got in touch with the truss manufacturer and he said that for $250 he would make a site visit and provide drawings of modifications and material required to install a raised section over the hoist and remove the middle section of the bottom chord of the trusses. The ceiling is 10' and 11' would make life a lot easier. Modifying four trusses would give me a 10' long pocket in the ceiling.
Little bit of material, shifting around and adding insulation, minor wiring changes and refinishing the ceiling, but mostly just my time. I'm thinking more and more how it would be so worth it!

Mike,

Rather than scissor trusses, ask the engineer about 2 new free-span style trusses utilizing purlins. This provides more head room than scissor trusses.

Member RyanEricW did just that using new engineered trusses. Here is a link to his thread: Truss Modification for Car Lift

 

[TractorJeff]

LOL!
Seen as everyone else is not bothering to read it all!
AVIVIII, you are wrong!
In my Opinion, it is a "Post" construction building!
Look closely at the photo of the stud wall and you will see a 4x4 or 6x6 green timber. Studs only going to the Timber brace.

 

[Falcon67]

I think Mike (post 11) re-lit this thread. At least it's related content!