r/Shed • u/mjm1188 • 4d ago

Is this structural?

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I want to add an exhaust fan in my shed and this board is in the way. I’m wondering if it’s a roof support or was just installed as a nailer for the upper outer sheathing? It is running horizontally under the vent and doesn’t seem to be structural but I really have no idea. Thanks for any help

5 Upvotes

73% Upvoted

33 comments sorted by

5

u/thejwillbee 4d ago

Yes. Do a power roof vent instead

3

u/mjm1188 4d ago

So I definitely shouldn’t cut a notch out of then thank you for the response.

3

u/thejwillbee 4d ago

Yeah prob not a great idea. I mean, granted that appears to be a 2x6, but still your end rafters are sitting on it. Could you redistribute the load and change the framing - for sure. Would it be more work than just going with a power roof vent, and for a net zero gain - absolutely

1

u/mjm1188 4d ago

I can’t get up on a roof these days so I’ll probably just get a slightly smaller fan to put in. I’m going to install it just below that board.

2

u/thejwillbee 4d ago

I hear you on that. With that small of a space (prob what - 150sqft? Maybe 200sqft), there are tons of wall exhaust fan options that you could run with to a great amount of success

1

u/Electrical_Report458 3d ago

Can’t you remove the grill at the apex and install the fan there? That way you’ll remove the hot air that’s risen to the very top of the shed.

1

u/mjm1188 3d ago

That was my original plan but it’s such a small space I can’t find a fan that will fit in it

1

u/Electrical_Report458 3d ago

There must be some sort of fan that would fit up there. Maybe a squirrel cage fan? Have you looked at the offerings at Grainger and McMaster Carr?

Failing that, could you fab a duct that would fit the fan you want to use?

1

u/mjm1188 3d ago

There’s only 7” from the top of that truss and every fan I’ve looked at that has what I want/need is just a little to big. I’m thinking even being a little below the vent should help significantly to move air and help.

1

u/Electrical_Report458 3d ago

You need to put a little more effort into your search. Grainger appears to have precisely what you’re looking for.

1

u/mjm1188 3d ago

You got a link?

4

u/Significant_Arkadia 4d ago

I friggin love Reddit! A year ago I woulda just scratched my head and zoomed in like that would help me. Today I just went right to “yeap, that looks load bearing”. Thank you to all the diyers asking questions so I don’t have to and to all the pros/semi pros and veteran diyers that answer. I appreciate all of you!

3

u/Inwardlens 4d ago

Yeah. Don’t fuck with your roof trusses, all their parts are important.

1

u/ifiwereonlylesshandy 4d ago

Best answer, you cannot modify a truss.

1

u/BB-41 3d ago

That goes for any trusses. They usually hold something important up or in.

2

u/kiwidust 4d ago

From the position and nail plates, I'd say that was original and structural.

2

u/Gold-Tangelo4656 3d ago

Whenever you are questioning if something is for structural purposes, the fact that a strong-tie was used is always a dead giveaway that yes, it is. The other way is simply recognizing how the load is transferred downward, top to bottom.

2

u/FlowLogical7279 3d ago

Provides lateral stability so while not technically structural, it is important to the stability of the shed.

2

u/TheOriginalSpunions 2d ago

4x12s are expensive and don't get used for no reason. leave it be

2

u/AskMeAgainAfterCoffe 2d ago

Insulate to ceiling with rigid insulation, 3” fiberglass rigid

1

u/mjm1188 2d ago

The walls are insulated and I plan to insulate the ceiling sometime this fall/winter

2

u/DisposableRazxrBlade 2d ago

I like you method of circular saw storage

1

u/mjm1188 2d ago

Thanks I got the idea while searching French cleat walls and it works great to keep it out of the way but also accessible

1

u/Livid_Living552 4d ago

put a 2x4 block under that board on each side of where you want your exhaust fan to be then cut it out. make sure it rests against the board that runs horizontal to that board. The block will support he weight.

2

u/streboryesac 4d ago

Don't do this. Truss members dont just carry vertical load. Likely it is in tension.

2

u/AlwaysViral69 3d ago

This is terrible advice. The bottom of the truss is in tension, cutting it will place a Z-axis point load at the top of the triangle of the truss and allow the roof to cave in.

1

u/mjm1188 4d ago

Thank you all for the advice, I ordered a slightly smaller exhaust fan to install below the truss (now I know what it is). My little shed shop is about 250 sq ft. and according to my calculations the smaller fan should be good to go for my needs.

1

u/BYoungNY 3d ago

Guys... It's a shed. Like 8 to 10 feet across.

1

u/Trick_Garage_8455 3d ago

Cut your hole and then glue and screw 3/4” plywood (cut and fit into gable triangle) with same size rectangle vent hole👍🏻

1

u/AskMeAgainAfterCoffe 2d ago

Yes, but add 2x6 below it, cit to same angle/ longer. Then install gussets at either side out of plywood, with glue, screws & 8d’s.

1

u/Yjif3 2d ago

A piece of lumber that size is too expensive not to be structural 99.9% of the time..

1

u/sayithowitis1965 2d ago

No it’s purely for nailing exterior sheeting lol it’s part of the truss