Truss replacement on pole barn.

[C91x]

The trusses on my pole barn are space 10' oc and 11 1/2' high with a ceiling load of 2lb psf. When i built it this didn't bother me but now i'm considering putting a ceiling on it but that would interfere with my lift and the trusses aren't meant to hold the load. So i'm thinking about scissor trusses spec'd for a ceiling. The lift now is between two trusses so the ceiling height is never a problem. Now my question that will ultimately decide if i do this or not.

Is there any clever way to replace the trusses with the roofing still up?

 

[lukedwag]

Do you have overhangs? If so then no.

 

[larry_g]

Have you considered the cost of adding on a new bay that will accommodate the lift? It might be cheaper to extend the building 12' than replacing trusses. Or are you considering just modifying the two trusses near the lift? Pictures would sure help, in fact they are critical considering the different ways that pole buildings are built around the country.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[James-W]

Have you considered the cost of adding on a new bay that will accommodate the lift? It might be cheaper to extend the building 12' than replacing trusses. Or are you considering just modifying the two trusses near the lift? Pictures would sure help.

lg
no neat sig line

I am confused. I am sure adding on a new bay for the lift would be nice, after all, more room is always good to have. But the thing is, he wants to have a ceiling in the garage and he says the trusses weren't designed to hold the extra weight. So how does extra bay for the lift help with the ceiling in the rest of the garage?

 

[mike93lx]

Do you have overhangs? If so then no.

could always scab them on after placement

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

I am confused. I am sure adding on a new bay for the lift would be nice, after all, more room is always good to have. But the thing is, he wants to have a ceiling in the garage and he says the trusses weren't designed to hold the extra weight. So how does extra bay for the lift help with the ceiling in the rest of the garage?

If having a ceiling in the new bay suffices for the need then it does.

Another possibility is to strengthen the trusses to support a ceiling. I realize that doesn't address the question about replacing trusses without removing the roof.

 

[firebirdparts]

With them 10 feet on centers, you'd have plenty of room to get a truss in there. Unwieldy, but possible. You have to be good at lifting. My dad would probably walk it up on two scaffolds.

 

[HoosierMark]

what about leaving the existing trusses in place and adding scissors trusses say every 5 feet including sistered to the existing ones. Then let the existing portion exposed and paint a contrasting color. That would give you something solid to attach the ceiling to and the attach insulation to also. With 10 foot between trusses you should be able to maneuver the new trusses up on the walls without issue.

 

[TLCObsession]

Just build (or add) new trusses in the middle of every bay - except where your lift goes. There, add a truss next to the existing trusses - sistered if you like. Then tray or box in the ceiling around the lift. Easy.

 

[Jlbc212]

What is the span of the trusses?

 

[Hot Rod Grampa]

Would it be possible to add I joists every 2' to carry the weight of the ceiling without stressing the existing rafters? On the lift bay, sister 2 site built trusses to the existing ones and add 2x spanners between them, again to carry the ceiling weight, not roof loads?

 

[Jlbc212]

Would it be possible to add I joists every 2' to carry the weight of the ceiling without stressing the existing rafters? On the lift bay, sister 2 site built trusses to the existing ones and add 2x spanners between them, again to carry the ceiling weight, not roof loads?

That is definitely a possibility. The size of the I joists depends upon the length of the span. Another concern would be how to support the ends of the I joists.

 

[C91x]

Thanks for all the ideas... I'm liking the idea of reinforcing the trusses and/or adding some to meet the load of the ceiling. Maybe make a raised area right above the lift.

 

[Denwood]

In our commercial building we restructured trusses in place to go from 8ft ceilings to 11ft. 5/8” ply was glued and screwed both sides in the new scissor profile and the new bottom chord profile reinforced with 2x6s on both sides of the truss.This was spec’d by the architect’s engineer. The scissor portion covers about half of the 50ft truss.

These were the drawings..we have high snow loads here. Ignore the top drawing..it was for a clerestory roof extension in another part of the building..

Restructuring in place is 100% doable. You just need an engineer to spec it for you.

 

[larry_g]

I am confused. So how does extra bay for the lift help with the ceiling in the rest of the garage?

Re-engineering the roof structure and then building it could easily cost way more that an extra bay. Now with the money saved a cheaper alternative could be used for the ceiling in the old area. If there is no need for a high ceiling in the shop then keeping it lower would pay back in lower heating/cooling. Adding on may increase taxes to the point it's a wash.

Point being, some people get stuck with one idea in their head (tunnel vision) and can't see the other options available to them.

lg
no neat sig line