Attic framing/structural question

[miketyler]

Hey guys - I am installling a Mitsubishi mini split in my loft over the garage. The room is about 30x40 and I want to install the ceiling casette as close to the middle of the space as possible. However, at the center of this space there are supports where they scabbed together the 2x8 peak beam. In the pic you can see where the two beams meet and where they scabbed it horizontally on one side vertically with a 2x6 and on the far side.

Can I remove these vertical supports? If need be I can move them down to either side of the splice but if its a temporary support I won't bother. Of course I would leave the scabbing in place. I need clearance around and on top of the rafters to frame in the cassette and then on top of thee rafters to place supports for threaded rod to suspend the unit.

I will have to cut one rafter and I have a few questions about accepted methods of doing this as well. Appreciate any insigt on this you pros can offer

 

[miketyler]

Another pic, the forum is rotating my iPhone images. Maybe I caan edit these on my PC later. Another detail of the structure I am working with.

 

[miketyler]

And another one. BTW, this is the only beam splice like this. The two beams end to end, span the entire length of the structure.

 

[readhead]

That was probably there during framing to support the ridge while they stacked the rafters. Once the rafters are in place and there are rafter ties in place the temp supports can be removed.

Understand that what I just said is a general remark based on common practices. If you are not comfortable making the call have a pro look at it to make the decision to remove it.

 

[miketyler]

Thanks, I removed it and if there is a consensus otherwise will consider supporting it on either side of the unit. My next question is about rafter framing.

The unit is 33"square and I will need to cut a section out of one rafter to fit it in place. Whats the general practice when cutting rafters besides avoid it when you can? I have installed a skylight or two and it seems most tell you to double the members on all four sides. Is that true for rafters as well or overkill? At a minimum I planned to cut the needed section away, install two perpendicular running boards between the neighboring rafters and tie each end of the cut rafter into that.

Pic probably illustrates better what I mean. Red vertical lines indicate where I plan to cut. Would I necessarily need to double up on any of these members the same as a roof joist? If need be I could tie them into the joists for extra support.

 

[pstnbly]

The collar ties on either side of the one you are planning to cut should be doubled and the blocking between (black lines) should be doubled and hangered to the other members.

 

[miketyler]

Thanks pstnbly - I did just that, appreciate the advice! Will hanger them once install is complete