Rafters - are these timbers required

[Albopalbo]

Hi, I want to insulate my garage roof rafters and the timbers attached at at 45degrees in the picture will make the job a pain but I was wondering if they are actually structurally required, or were they just used in the construction of the roof and just left attached?

 

[^woody^]

They stop the trusses falling over like dominoes

 

[Albopalbo]

They stop the trusses falling over like dominoes

I'm sure that was their function when the roof was being constructed, but now it's build an tied into the wall etc are they still required? I don't recall seeing these on other houses I've lived in.

 

[^woody^]

I'm sure that was their function when the roof was being constructed, but now it's build an tied into the wall etc are they still required? I don't recall seeing these on other houses I've lived in.

It's actually part of the standards for any trussed roof.

If you have ever seen trusses push a gable wall outwards, you would understand. If its a terrace, take them out and take you chances.

 

[bernardgreen]

 

[frutbunn]

They are required, though it looks like someone has gone a little mad with the diagonal wind bracing and I would have expected to see a longitudinal piece at the node point on the ceiling.

 

[catlad]

If you want to get rid of them use 11mm OSB or ply under the rafters and stick your insulation to that.