It's hard to tell, but that looks like an old scab for that opening. Someone took a spare 2x4 and added to that opening to add more strength to that area. However it looks like it was poorly done. Regardless, the 2x4 is compromised and the red-wood 2x4 isn't fully nailed into the footer. I am not a carpenter, but if I were you, I'd build a proper frame for whatever you're trying to install in that opening. Found this good example of what I'm talking about: [https://rogueengineer.com/installing-a-window-in-a-blank-wall/]
this post was submitted on 06 Jul 2023
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The red 2x4 is the one I want to move/remove. I just need to get in that opening to insulate (was half done/ poorly done / very old). I know framing that hole would be the proper way, and I may, but I'm not trying to add more to my list right now.
Totally understood. From the looks of it, neither 2x4 is properly bearing weight. Placing new, non-cut, 2x4s on either side of the opening and tying them together with a sill plate is probably better than what you currently have.
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?
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.