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?
It seems very purposefully positioned, but shoddy work. I’m wondering if it was to brace up a sag in the roofline. In other words, removing it might cause you a problem even if the whole roof doesn’t collapse. Seems like it would be safe to move it to the other side of the lighter beam, or right up against it. I would put one on the other side of the opening as well so as not to recreate whatever original problem that was trying to fix.