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Roofing Brace Question

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9 Nov 2025
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Hello,

We are trying to vault the ceiling on our landing in our C18th cottage because i couldn't stand up. We've removed the old ceiling which was about 5'8", and I've removed the beams that were only there to hold the ceiling (some were tree branches :D ). As it stands we have 2 beams that come across horizontally at one end and getting rid of one would be good fo aesthetics and also practicality when ducking under. The problem is, it has a diagonal brace for the roof. All of the rafters are cross braced from one side to the other, but for some reason that one has had a beam placed on to of the 2 inner walls and then this diagnonal fitted. Any ideas what we can do, or do we just need to have 2 beams close together to duck under? The other i think is to stop the main beam that the ends of the rafters sit on from sagging further. Neither of the 2 beams that are sat on the walls go any further into the house.

The mirror end of the roof here doesn't have this diagnonally braced one or extra beam. And for context, this is in a valley where 2 parts meet.

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This is the outside of that roof - before i cleaned the leaves
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If it were me, i would employ a Structural Engineer to clarify exactly what can be done...
 
If it were me, i would employ a Structural Engineer to clarify exactly what can be done...
Yes, given the lack of time and money and that being the best option I will probably just have to keep the 2 beams. Just wondered if anyone had done similar and thought it might be worth a post.
 
You'll probably be able to get away with a cranked steel beam, but it's defo SE teritory.
 
Firstly, it looks like you have some wood-boring insect attack to at least the wall plates and joists, and some damp timber to the horizontal gutter - are those being addressed?

It looks feasible to create a raised collar roof by lifting those ceiling joists or even removing them and relying on the upper collar ties, perhaps with some strengthening of the rafter sections down to the wall plate.

It's relatively simple, having regard to roof triangulation and bracing, but you will need either an experienced carpenter or if you want to go down a more formal route, a structural engineer. There should be no elaborate structural design or steel work involved, just working on basic principles.
 
What do you mean by braces? Do you mean collars, ties?

You would not use Revit for this, it's no help
 
Can anyone tell me of a way to put roof braces in and actually have them attach to the rafters rather than snapping to a "level"? I have been pulling my hair out for hours trying to get the brace to attach to my raker, and the only way it will do it is in 3D. If there isn't an easier way, then Revit need a serious kick in the teeth, because this is by far the most frustrating and annoying thing I have come across since I started using it.
If you have a specific Revit software questions then start a new thread.
 

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