Page 1 of 1

RAISING THE CEILING

PostPosted: Sat Sep 22, 2018 2:03 pm
by nikkinutshop
My shop/garage has a ten foot ceiling. I will not be allowed to raise the roof because I am at the maximum outside height measured to the highest point of the roof.
When I built the garage in 1990, having a 10 foot ceiling was all I would ever need. Now 28 years later, I want to install a four post car lift to store my 1940 Ford. These old Fords are taller. I have taken a few measurements and there will be an uncomfortable smallish space left under the lift with the Ford close to the ceiling.
I am under the impression that special certified trusses are available that allow a ceiling height to be raised without changing the outside appearance of the building. I have not made any serious inquiries yet. Last summer, I had the original folding overhead door replaced with a power roll-up door. the roll-up door does not take up any overhead space. this door rolls up just above the door. Fully rolled, it takes up 20 inches from the wall.
What I was hoping could be done, is to install the new trusses next to the original trusses and after fastening at the appropriate places, the original trusses will be cut back to match the dimensions of the newer units.
I would like to change the ceiling height only on the north 16 feet of the shop.
Has anyone here had experience with this modification? Are there any cautions and issues I should know about, now? I will be having an insured contractor do the work.
I rental secure storage for an Old Ford, like the one I have, is as low as $300 per month to very much higher. I looked at a secured humidity and heat controlled lower parking garage space in Vancouver. The Ford would be in good company with the other classics. The space looked like Jay Leno's Garage. That single parking space was $450 per month. I would need to buy more expensive insurance on my Ford and carry an extra liability for damage to other vehicles that may be caused by my Ford. The total out-of-pocket for a month could easily reach $700

Re: RAISING THE CEILING

PostPosted: Sat Sep 22, 2018 2:38 pm
by WEW51L110
As I understand your description of the need and solution, I think it’s doable. Not being familiar with the building codes of your area, to get a building permit may require proof that a registered professional engineer has calculated the design of the trusses with current standards. There may be changes in requirements between 1990 and now. Once you’ve received the building permit, it will be the contractors’ responsibility to insure the trusses can be put in place with the existing trusses there. Unless you empty out the contents of the garage it’s going to be difficult working in the “attic” space above it all. It might even be easier to scalp the old roof/trusses off and work with wide open spaces or some combination of partial demo and installation. That may be possible without moving the contents out and you’d be at the mercy of the weather gods. Any lights/electrical supported by the old trusses may complicate the new installation and require the services of an electrical contractor as well. Especially if the wiring is routed above the bottom cord of the original trusses.
As I said, I think it’s doable, but go into this endeavor knowing all the details and have a contractor you can depend on to handle all the complications that haven’t surfaced yet. Good luck.

Re: RAISING THE CEILING

PostPosted: Sat Sep 22, 2018 3:07 pm
by harvester60
This maybe a completely ludicrous idea, but could you not get the floor dug out and lowered and then put the ramp in? https://www.houzz.co.uk/photo/3977442-c ... os-angeles

Re: RAISING THE CEILING

PostPosted: Sat Sep 22, 2018 4:43 pm
by nikkinutshop
The local truss company that supplied the original trusses have an engineering company. Two 4 ' led lights to move and that is about it.
I am looking at the situation now. The job may be easier if the roof were removed for 16 feet, the original trusses removed and the cathedral trusses were dropped in like toast.
I am going to have the four post lift delivered and installed by the contractor who does this for Bendpac and others suppliers of lifts.
Digging out to lower the floor is not an option. The ramp will make it impossible access, plus the additional cost could be 4-5 times higher.

Re: RAISING THE CEILING

PostPosted: Mon Sep 24, 2018 3:53 am
by K Effective
Not sure it helps you, but I knew a guy with a pole barn storage for is motorhome, traded up and found the new one too tall for the building. He had the existing trusses altered to form a taller section in the middle and had a new. taller door installed in the end wall. Any chance the truss company could re-engineer your trusses in place?

Re: RAISING THE CEILING

PostPosted: Mon Sep 24, 2018 8:04 am
by nikkinutshop
That is a good question. I will ask when I get a chance to talk with the truss factory this week.