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View Full Version : Roof Truss cut to add a drop staircase for access to the attic


wynnwood
Dec 21, 2010, 07:26 PM
I am looking at a house where the trusses in the attic have been cut to add a drop down staircase for access to it. Does this put the roof in an unsafe condition of collapsing or is it okay if its not to a load bearing location.

ma0641
Dec 22, 2010, 03:42 PM
Trusses are engineered to be built a particular way and not cut afterwards. What did the house inspaction show or say? How many trusses are cut? Saying it's not load bearing makes little difference, the trusses are designed so you don't need load bearing walls except for the outside walls that support the ends, but trusses are always under compression and push out to the load bearing ends. Truss formed attic spaces are very hard to use for storage anyway due to the support system. I'd discuss this with a structural engineer or a truss manufacturer