> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.paragontruss.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.paragontruss.com/design/how-to/profile-truss/create-attic-roof-trusses.md).

# Create Attic Roof Trusses

Before you begin, open Paragon Design.

An attic truss has a room in its lower half: a floor, two walls and a ceiling. You can insert one with the Attic shape, or turn an existing profile truss into one.

## Create an Attic Truss

### Step 1 - Click `Create`, or right-click and select `Component`, then choose the `Attic (Beta)` shape

The Attic shape is with the other shapes under "Or choose a shape below". Choosing it opens the shape details.

![](https://2598702589-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FzIkcl8vW0QKiqUIx7Xdc%2Fuploads%2FjK5yDQxcR29E0O1WGhlR%2FAttic%20Truss.gif?alt=media\&token=7b405321-4f6c-49c9-8c05-2d5816218237)

### Step 2 - Set the size of the truss, such as `32'` in `Length` and `12/12` in `Slope`

An attic requires a steeper roof to create enough space for a room below it. You can also set the heel (`Heel Height` and `Butt Cut`) and the overhang (`Overhang Cut Type` and `Overhang Distance`).

### Step 3 - Size the room, such as `12'` in `Room Width` and `8'` in `Room Height`, then click `Center On Span`

The room settings are under `Attic Settings (Beta)`:

* `Room Center` is where the middle of the room is, measured from the left end. It starts at 12', so after changing the length, click `Center On Span` to put the room in the middle of the truss.
* `Room Width` and `Room Height` are the room's inside dimensions. `Floor Depth` is the depth of the floor below it.
* Check `Single-Beam Floor` to make the bottom chord the floor, instead of a separate floor member.
* `Webbing Settings` set the webs beside the room: `Warren` or `K` for the `Webbing Pattern`, plus `Horizontal Length` and `Max Run`.
* `Chase Settings` add a chase through the room. `No Chase` is checked by default.

![](https://2598702589-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FzIkcl8vW0QKiqUIx7Xdc%2Fuploads%2FVRTYKsk9yGf6ieaZBN5A%2Fattic-settings.png?alt=media)

### Step 4 - Click `Next`, review the structural details, then click `Insert`

Attic loading is turned on: the truss's load settings get `Attic Room` loads. The room itself is defined from the shape of the truss, so there's no room size to enter in the load settings.

![](https://2598702589-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FzIkcl8vW0QKiqUIx7Xdc%2Fuploads%2Fb3S4J2o8lz7KmCHaRCjR%2Fattic-truss.png?alt=media)

## Convert an Existing Truss to an Attic Truss

{% hint style="info" %}
Any profile truss can be converted to an attic truss. The conversion reverts the truss to the settings used when it was originally created, so any changes made afterward—such as additional loads—will be lost.
{% endhint %}

### Step 1 - If the truss isn't in the project, click `Create`, choose `Component` and choose the `Common` shape

### Step 2 - Set its size, such as `12/12` in `Slope`, then click `Next` and click `Insert`

If the truss is already in the project, open it and begin with Step 3.

### Step 3 - Click the `Edit Truss` icon and choose `Convert to Settings`

### Step 4 - Click `OK` to accept the warning about losing changes

### Step 5 - Check `Attic` to add a room

The room settings are the same as for a new attic truss. `Center On Peak` puts the room under the peak.

![](https://2598702589-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FzIkcl8vW0QKiqUIx7Xdc%2Fuploads%2FCJY1H17vnlmW5SUeuMzR%2Fattic-convert.gif?alt=media)

### Step 6 - Size the room to fit under the roof, such as `8'` in `Room Width`, then click `Next` and click `Insert`

![](https://2598702589-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FzIkcl8vW0QKiqUIx7Xdc%2Fuploads%2F2W7RHPxveve0ipjoSxLH%2Fattic-converted.png?alt=media)

## Change the Attic Loads

### Step 1 - Click `Truss Settings` and choose `Load Settings`

### Step 2 - Find the attic loads under `Attic Room`

`Attic Room` is checked for attic trusses. Expand it to change the `Floor Live Load`, `Floor Dead Load`, `Wall Dead Load` and `Ceiling Dead Load`, in psf, then click `Change settings for this component`.

![](https://2598702589-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FzIkcl8vW0QKiqUIx7Xdc%2Fuploads%2Fb1uiOy7rDPMEfY7mH6o1%2Fattic-loads.png?alt=media)

### Step 3 - Click `Cancel` to close the load settings without changes

## Analyze the Attic Truss

### Step 1 - Click `Analyze`

To view the results and the applied loads, see [Run & View Component Analysis](/design/how-to/general/run-and-view-component-analysis.md).

{% hint style="warning" %}
Warning

If the room's walls, floor or ceiling are changed so it no longer looks like a room, the attic loads can't be applied, and analysis reports that no attic room was detected.
{% endhint %}


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