Removing Attic Braces

Purlins as shown in sample photos below are installed for rafter support.

Removing attic braces.

The problem is that there are 1x4 braces where i want to put my 2x4 studs. Let s start our discussion by looking at the proper way to brace an attic. I added a picture of the roof directly above the brace i am asking about. Every so often i ll crawl into an attic without any attic bracing.

They don t look as if they were meant to be permanent so i wanted to know if from a structural standpoint they are really needed. Prevent this unfortunate series of events by bracing your rafters to make them sturdy and resistant to snow loads and wind. I have this above my own garage. Click the images to enlarge into a new window.

Sagging rafters are a sign that a house is in serious trouble. When sagging gets too severe it can lead to roof collapse and once the roof goes the house won t last for long. Attic trusses have a rectangular shape inside each truss. In order to gain space while still supporting the roof adequately you will need to build a short support or pony wall to run along each side of your attic before removing the the webbing braces in your trusses.

I laid on my back to take the shot in that picture the roof slopes downward to the right. The braces struts or kickers should be within every 4 and should not be at a greater than a 45 degree angle towards the roof slope lower side. You can see perpendicular cross braces above the trusses between the trusses and the roof sheathing. An important notation is that the purlin bracing should be off of walls or beams as needed.

Tape measure chalk line 2 by 4 inch boards. Install the rest of the braces on that side of the attic then install the braces on the other side of the attic using the same method. I want to run 4 horizontal 2x4s and add a plywood sheet to use as storage in my attic. These give the sheathing something flat to lay against.

The studs would run through the middle of the frame. Usually these are older home built in the 30 s through the 50 s however i ve seen inadequate attic bracing on homes of all ages.