Attic Truss Loft Conversion

The conversion from a trussed roof to a trussless roof simply involves the redistribution of the roofs weight from the trusses to beams running from gable to gable.

Attic truss loft conversion.

Trusses are considered a superior method of framing a roof because of the additional support. Ironically though it s the rafters that provide a better environment for an attic conversion because of the clear space. This process involves the installation and use of steel beams. The role of the horizontal beam is to tie the truss together and carry the load that would otherwise be sustained by the support and vertical timber also known as the king post.

Looking back i was very lucky in that my roof had an unusually high 47 degree pitch and so there was lots of head room. Attic conversions are now possible by replacing the truss rafters with a shaped trusses or horizontal beams which in return create additional space. Before work can begin a structural engineer will calculate the size of the steels required. This may well require planning permission.

Often the height of the roof may be too low when constructed with truss rafters which means that it may need to be raised too. Often loft conversion projects can end up being a disappointment as on completion the owner finds out that roof height is very limited and as a result the space ends up being rather pokey.