I need to enter the attic via this gable vent hole, unfortunately I can’t fit. My thought is maybe I should install a 2x4 against the (what I assume is original) lighter colored beam to the right, and another for good measure at the left side of the hole.
thoughts?
The one 2x4 that’s notched might be connected to the other webs that form the truss? If that’s the case I wouldn’t be removing that one. It’s hard to say what the red one is doing, is it directly below a roof joist that makes up part of that flat roof section? You could pull it out (the building won’t fall down) run another plate on the top about 30" long and add two new boards 24" apart and that would be sufficient.
Yeah, my assumption is the notched one is part of the original build and that the red one might have been added when the roof was last done (I just bought the house this year, not sure of history but I know the roof is overdue to replace). Why add another top plate?