If you need roof truss or rafter/joist repairs, the usual procedure is to contact a building contractor or roofing company. They will likely hire a structural engineer familiar with truss engineering. Most residential buildings in Colorado built after 1970 use pre-manufactured roof trusses, while those built before 1970 use conventionally framed roof systems. A contractor experienced with trusses or conventional roof framing can offer repair solutions, but a licensed engineer is needed for a definitive solution and to obtain a building permit. Alternatively, you can call CENSPACE directly. Our engineers can inspect the damage and provide recommendations before involving a contractor. We can also generate stamped repair drawings for building permits, making the repair process more efficient and cost-effective.

Yes, you can use steel repair plates to reinforce your roof trusses, but there are several important considerations. Many mending plates available at home improvement stores are designed for non-structural uses like repairing fence posts or reinforcing doors. These plates are often not corrosion-resistant and may not be suitable for outdoor or pressure-treated lumber applications. For structural applications, the steel and connectors must be designed and approved by a licensed engineer. Most pre-manufactured mending plates cannot handle the high forces in roof truss members and should be used carefully. Hammering on mending plates or repressing existing plates with punched teeth is never acceptable for structural repairs. Plywood or OSB gussets with nails or specific screws are commonly used instead of steel mending plates to repair or reinforce truss joints. A licensed engineer familiar with truss design should size and specify these connections. Often, truss repairs are manageable for homeowners. CENSPACE engineers specialize in truss repairs, so contact us for a consultation or inspection before attempting any structural repairs yourself.

Yes, it is possible to replace your flat roof. However, instead of removing the existing roof, you can construct a new roof overlay using pre-manufactured roof trusses. Flat roofs deteriorate quickly in harsh climates like Colorado, making repair or replacement common. Concerns about flat roof failure often stem from water ponding, which causes deflections and can lead to roof failure. Adding a pitched roof system over the existing flat roof can be a cost-effective solution. The new roof can act independently or support the old roof, allowing the ceiling to remain intact. Pitched roof systems help shed snow and ice, promoting roof longevity. Contact CENSPACE for a consultation or inspection before deciding to replace your flat roof.

Yes, it is possible to vault your flat ceiling without removing all the trusses. Modifying the existing trusses is often a cost-effective option. Typically, this involves removing the ceiling material, shoring the existing trusses, cutting specified truss members, and inserting new members to create the modified ceiling profile. These new members are then fastened into the truss using OSB/plywood gussets with nails or screws. Contact CENSPACE for a quick evaluation of your project. If feasible, we can document the existing truss configuration and provide an estimate for the design work. We will generate a truss repair plan with step-by-step instructions for the contractor to complete the modifications.