Structural guys - can this beam in my garage be raised?
 

My ?

The 2x6's (collar ties) can be raised and reattached to the rafters with no problem.
As far as the beam, what does it support? Also what is holding up the beam/rafter? It looks like it is one piece? Is it sitting on the top plate with jack studs on the end of it?

If i understand correctly, those are just stringers . .. they keep the walls from spaying out. There are various truss config's to give a higher ceiling. ...maybe check those out.

Generally engineers like to maximize structures. ..if you move the stringers up, the structural rigidity will no longer be maximized. . . .but probably not terrible either.

As island mentioned, yes it can be done, but you will change the wind loading specs of the structure/roof. I don't know if Cali requires any specialized loading for earthquakes either.

Jack Stud
Shorter studs that support the ends of a header, which in turn supports the load of the studs above the opening. Also called trimmers.


Here's On way a Jack is used:


http://www.buildiq.com/Demos/Framing...mg/H020755.jpg

If you have a tile roof, be careful with any modifications. From what I've been told the tiles add a lot of weight to the structure.

We used to live in Mission Viejo and I was just thinking of all the tile roofs I would see around the neighborhood on 60's and 70's tract homes.

All of those look like structural elements to me, and would be a pita to modify. The 2x6 on the left looks more like a 2x10 to me, and the beam in the middle looks like it could even be an LVL, can't tell for sure. If there is a 2x4 running from the center beam to the roof, it is holding up some of your roof load.

Do you have an attic space up were the A-Frame is? This would explain the 2x10's, as some load would be designed for if the space is accessible. More pics would help, or maybe a simple drawing that shows where the wood is.

I don't think you can just raise that structural beam. As the beam is right over the door opening, you just can't put a support beam right there. I think you will need to add pillars in the garage to support the different weight distribution. As you have a heavy roof, best get a licensed structural engineer to draw up plans, get a permit and do it right.

Any newer house in CA requires a permit and signed off drawings from a structural engineer unless your in the middle of the desert and are not part of any county or city, which means you need one. You may also have to deal with CC&Rs. You might be able ot open up the A part some if you remove the storage, but you will still need the engineering to do it. Your probably looking at $2000 to $10K in just engineering. Cost/benefit might be better if you just raised the roof and walls. Just remembered that you might also be required to upgrade things to current code as well, not cheep.

Or your insurance co will find out and cancel your ins and your mortage co will have a fit and give you cost plus crappy insurance and they will notify the local constibles who will prevent you from ever selling the place or in some places condem your place and your sol

Some of this stuff actually holds up your roof and if you have to ask, you shouldn't be even considering it. If you really know what your doing, then go ahead, no one will care or notice cause it was done correctly.

what if that area of the house would "accidently" catch fire? caught in time, very localised damage..
wouldn't the insurance fund the repair??
i'm sure the new one could have a raised beam or something:D

1) It is difficult to tell from the pictures, but I believe the boards you are describing are used to tie the walls together. Remove or disturb them, and the tops of the walls will bow out, allowing the rafters to drop.

2) You are already overloading the structure by using them for storage. No matter if they 2x6, 2x8 and 2x10, spanning over a 2 car garage is overloaded. (Max 2x10 span is approximately 15')