How to Repair a Broken Roof Truss

Roof trusses are designed to distribute the load of a roof over the entire frame. When one part of the truss is cut or damaged, it can affect the strength of the entire assembly. Some trusses are damaged in transit or during the construction process. Other structures suffer damage when homeowners cut through them as part of misguided do-it-yourself projects, not understanding that they are compromising the structural integrity of their homes.

2-by-4 lumber
Construction adhesive
Screws, 3 inches long
Drill
Steel plate

Instructions

- 1
  Attach a 2-by-4 to each side of a truss member that is cracked but hasn't had any material removed from it. Position the 2-by-4 boards so that they extend several feet in both directions away from the crack or break along the length of the truss member. Secure a 2-by-4 board to the truss by spreading construction adhesive onto one face, pressing the 2-by-4 against the truss member and securing it in place with 3-inch-long screws.
- 2
  Repair a truss that has had a piece cut out of it by replacing the missing piece and then securing the structure using the technique in Step 1. For example, if someone has cut a 24-inch-long piece out of the truss in the course of installing an attic hatch, you will need to place a 24-inch-long replacement piece in the gap, then secure it by attaching a 2-by-4 to each side of the patched area and attaching them to the truss with construction adhesive and screws. Note that this repair will require you to move the attic hatch.
- 3
  Reinforce the corners of roof trusses that are showing cracks or damage by covering the corner on both sides with a steel plate and screwing the plates onto the faces of the truss.

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