Calling all armchair experts - professional structural engineering advice needed

[prae]

I'm installing a motion-activated security light in my garage on the alley-side as the number of thieving meth addicts in Calgary seems to have grown substantially in the preceding months.

The obsessive compulsive in me wants to cut a hole for an octagon box right in the middle of the gable end but that would mean cutting through the middle chord of the truss, as pictured:



What does beyond think? #yoloswag cut that bitch or install the light 8" off center?

[Ca_Silvia13]

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I'm installing a motion-activated security light in my garage on the alley-side as the number of thieving meth addicts in Calgary seems to have grown substantially in the preceding months.

The obsessive compulsive in me wants to cut a hole for an octagon box right in the middle of the gable end but that would mean cutting through the middle chord of the truss, as pictured:



What does beyond think? #yoloswag cut that bitch or install the light 8" off center?

I cannot comment if it can be done but a buddy failed a home inspection due to one of his garage roof trusses being cut in to. So it probably can be done but you will have to reinforce it somehow to keep it above board.

[The_Rural_Juror]

Drug addicts would just use your light to find their veins anyway. The solution is to move to Aspen.

[ExtraSlow]

As a professional "not that kind of engineer" I can say that in my professional judgement, you shouldn't cut a hole in that.

[Buster]

I say go for it.

Also pictures and video of results.

[nzwasp]

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Drug addicts would just use your light to find their veins anyway. The solution is to move to Aspen.

Aspen isnt immune to Drug Addicts. Although cancelling all the bus services will probably help it stay as clean as possible.

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What does beyond think? #yoloswag cut that bitch or install the light 8" off center?

Why does anything need to look that good facing the alley?

[nzwasp]

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What does beyond think? #yoloswag cut that bitch or install the light 8" off center?

Why does anything need to look that good facing the alley?

[bjstare]

Install the light on the far left or right of your structure, pointed towards the middle, instead of installing in the middle. If you install it 6” off center it will look stupid.

Don’t cut the truss.

[The_Rural_Juror]

I have spoken.

[Nufy]

Drill a hole for the cable and mount the octagon box on the outside.

[ExtraSlow]

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Drill a hole for the cable and mount the octagon box on the outside.

Settle down Bob Villa.

[firebane]

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Drill a hole for the cable and mount the octagon box on the outside.

Don't suppose running cable under the siding (if it exists) would be a good thought too?

[The_Rural_Juror]

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Drill a hole for the cable and mount the octagon box on the outside.

Not flush mounted? You want his house to look like a poor person lives in it? Geez.

[dirtsniffer]

why would you want video of the thieving meth addicts? Nothing is going to happen to them. this won't catch them. just going to make you more paranoid.

bright ass lights.
locks.
hide valuables.
...
profit.

[killramos]

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Not flush mounted? You want his house to look like a poor person lives in it? Geez.

Siding was already mentioned.

[ThePenIsMightier]

You "shall not" modify or cut trusses. Don't.
Do what Nufy says

[prae]

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bright ass lights.

profit.

That's what this is about. bright ass lights

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Siding was already mentioned.

Don't you dare defame my stucco or I'll have to call my internet lawyer on retainer @shakalaka

[prae]

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Don't suppose running cable under the siding (if it exists) would be a good thought too?

I aint no electrician but this has to be grounds for failing a home inspection just the same as cutting a truss would be

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Drill a hole for the cable and mount the octagon box on the outside.

as would this, no? I guess a poly box, maybe? yuck

[The_Rural_Juror]

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That's what this is about. bright ass lights

That is just going to keep them warm. Like hatching chicks. What you need are LOUD NOISES!!!

[prae]

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Install the light on the far left or right of your structure, pointed towards the middle, instead of installing in the middle. If you install it 6” off center it will look stupid.

Don’t cut the truss.

Yeah I guess this is what I'll do. You're more right than you know about the 6" off center comment.