Manufacturers build wood trusses with tight engineering to take advantage of the metal connectors and the triangulation that transfers loads around the webs. As a result, there is no room in the design for removing any part of a truss. Here’s what the Florida Building Code (FBC) and international Building Code (IBC) say:

R802.1.8.2 [IRC R802.7.2] Engineered wood products. 
Cuts, notches and holes bored in trusses, structural composite lumber, structural glue-laminated members or I-joists are prohibited except where permitted by the manufacturer’s recommendations or where the effects of such alterations are specifically considered in the design of the member by a registered design professional.

    So the only exceptions are “where permitted by manufacturer’s recommendations” or “specifically considered in the design of the member by a registered design professional.” The example shown above, where chords of a truss have been removed to create more storage area in an attic, is an example of cutting that is not approved.

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  To learn more about roofs and attics, see these other blog posts:

• Why is my roof sheathing sagging between the trusses?

• Are H-clips required by the building code for roof sheathing?

• Why is granule loss a problem for an asphalt shingle roof? 

• What are the mistakes to avoid when doing attic improvements?

• What causes roof shingles to curl up at corners?  

• What causes shingles to buckle along a line on the roof?

• What causes leaks at a fake roof dormer? 

• What causes a sagging roof ridge line?

• What causes bubble-like blisters in a built-up and gravel roof?  

• Why does it cost so much more to replace a steep roof than a low slope roof? 

• What is "ponding" on a flat roof?

• Is an attic required to have a light by the building code? 

• How can I inspect my roof for hurricane damage?

• What is the building code requirement for an attic access hatch, scuttle, or door? 

• Does a roof with multiple layers of shingles last longer?

• What can I do to prevent roof leaks?

• Are roof trusses better than roof rafters (stick framing)? 

• Why is a popped nail in a shingle roof a problem? How do I fix it?

• What are the most common problems with wood roof trusses?

• What causes a lump or dip in the roof? 

• If my roof is not leaking, why does it need to be replaced?

• Is a ridge board/beam required for a roof framed with rafters?  

• Does it cost more to roof a hip roof than a gable roof? 

• What is roof flashing? 

• What does "lack of tab adhesion" in an asphalt shingle roof mean?

• Why do roof edges start leaking?

• Why do my dormer windows leak? 

• Do home inspectors go on the roof? Do they get in the attic?

• Should I put gutters on the house? 

• What's the difference between a roof inspection and a roofing estimate?

• How much of a roof truss can I cut out to make a storage platform in the attic? 

• What's the difference between an "architectural" and a regular shingle roof? 

• What is an EPDM roof?

•  I'm buying a '50s modern house with a "gravel" roof. Is the roof going to be a problem?

• What does a home inspector look for when examining a roof? 

• Do stains on the ceiling mean the roof is leaking?

• How can I tell if the house needs a new roof?  

• Why does my homeowner's insurance want a roof inspection?

• What are the hazards to avoid when going into an attic? 

• What is a roof certification letter/report?

    Visit our ROOF AND ATTIC page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.