Can I plane this ridge beam down?

[davemate23]

Hi,

I’ve been trying to convert my shed, which the previous owner had as a pretty decent workshop (that I just filled with junk), into a gym. The headroom isn’t quite enough for decent clearance on the treadmill and I’ve already removed the bulky fluorescent light fittings, and am replacing them with flushed downlights. There are also a series of planks going along the ceiling peak, which I think is a ridge beam. Ideally I’d like to plane these down to be flush with the ceiling, but wanted to check with this forum that it’s going to threaten the structural integrity by doing so, or if I’d need to reinforce them. Photos attached.

 

[big-all]

my suggestion
replace ridge beam[probably damage roof felt] with 38x63 cls flat supported both ends and off the tie bar that must stay in case your tempted
iff the roof sags at all this is the time to take it out

 

[davemate23]

Thanks. I have already replaced the roofing felt, but was hoping just to reduce the profile of the current beams. Are you suggesting that’s probably not possible and I’ll need to replace the ridge beam? Not sure how I would go about that, presumably I’d need to keep the rafters pulled apart whilst switching it in? Planing the current boards down seems easier if possible! If the rafters don’t even touch the bottom few inches of the board, is there any structural benefit?

 

[big-all]

simple answer is i dont know
i was trying to replace what's there with something a bit stronger and shallower to beef up what doesnt look the bests
are the roof board and ridge physically secured together full length[stronger]or a small amount[weaker]