Holes bored in roof trusses

Brian, that table is referring to the overall truss deflection. However there are similar limitations on individual members. Is there an unusual load on top of that truss?

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So how do knots play into the whole truss design scheme?

Ever see knots fall out and leave a hole behind? how is such a knot different from a drilled hole?

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Simon, designer and/or software factors that in based on lumber grade.

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Not an unusual load, however I did observe this particular section of trusses had less webbing than the adjacent trusses.

This is a non-issue that I would not mention in the report.

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If a truss (any part of a truss) has holes drilled in it that weren’t installed at the truss factory, then a SE should be recommended for further evaluation.

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I don’t understand why any home inspector would take it upon themselves to determine that a truss that’s been damaged or modified from it’s original design is okay.

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Hi Kevin, Its been my experience seeing notched or drilled truss members is rare, however finding cut truss members for chimneys and attic fans is common. IMO home inspectors should lump all damage or modifications to engineered trusses, floor trusses or engineered I-Joists in a generic statement such as:

During the inspection I observed damaged or modified engineered roof trusses (floor trusses or I-Joists). Trusses or I-Joists are engineered structural components, their structural integrity can be substantially altered by damaging, cutting or modifying any of their members. I recommend you contact the builder, truss company or a structural engineer for further assistance in determining if repairs are needed.

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I agree Randy and I like the statement you provided with the exception of “contact the builder” part. :wink:

Not saying all builders wouldn’t properly address it, but I always recommend my clients get their own SE to look at any truss issues that I find with new construction due to potential conflicts of interests that the builder may have. I do (verbally) tell my clients about the number that should be stamped on the gusset plates in relation to the truss mfgr and that they can also be a good resource to contact as well.

Some folks - electricians, home inspectors - seem to think it’s ok to drill up and mar engineered trusses, and that just makes my skin crawl. You’re sticking your neck waaayyyy out there when you bless or give the ok to field truss modifications or damage.

Homeowner: Hey my roof is sagging, and you guys supplied the trusses.
Truss manufacturer: Ok, I see holes in our trusses. They’re not allowed.
Homeowner: But my home inspector said they were ok.
Truss manufacturer: Well good luck with that.

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Kevin, the reason I included the builder is only to get the truss plans. Around here the truss company will only release the truss plans to the person who orders and paid for them, in most cases it was the builder. I try not to piss off the builder until AFTER I get the truss plans. :grin:

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My turn to play devils advocate…

Tell your son to go dig a 3 foot diameter by 2 foot deep hole in your backyard. Ask him what he has?
His answer: A hole.

Now tell your daughter to go fill half of that hole back in with the dirt that was dug out. Ask her what she has?
Her answer: A hole!

Only in the bedroom does size matter!

Nuff said!!

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That makes sense Randy.

I report any & all damaged trusses, field alterations (cut, notched or drilled), missing members and undocumented repairs.

For used homes, here is the recommendation & additional note portion of my narrative.

I recommend having the area of cut (damaged,
drilled, whatever) trusses evaluated by a qualified building contractor or structural engineer and repaired or replaced as necessary.

NOTE: Trusses are designed & manufactured with load tolerances specific to each roof design.
It is very possible for the loads to be carried by the other trusses or modifications made, however, the inspector is not qualified to make such determination.

For new construction, here is the recommendation & additional note portion of my narrative.

I recommend having the area of damaged (cut, drilled, whatever) trusses evaluated by the builder’s engineer of record and repaired or replaced as necessary.

NOTE: Repairs or field alterations to trusses should be designed by, made & approved by a qualified engineer. An official, stamped document should be attached to the truss at the repair portion or area of concern for verification of repair design & approval by a qualified engineer.

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Good ones Brandon!

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Thanks a lot, guys! Now I’m more confused than I was before I read the thread.

One guy says they will sue you if you don’t report it
The other guy says the client will demand you pay for the engineer to look at a nonissue such as this.
The third guy says I would not even bother reporting it.
The fourth guy says but but you better report it.
The fifth guy says well, a-hole is an a-hole.

Really, guys? really? I’m back to the drawing board! yet again, no agreement on how to deal with an issue at hand.

Can all 5 guys be right at the same time!? Only if you’re a home inspector! :sunglasses:

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Hey OP, you were right the whole time!

Thanks OP, I appreciate you saying that.

:wink:

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At the end of the day it comes down to how comfortable you, the inspector are with accepting risk. You need to calculate the odds that not saying anything will result in significant financial liability to you or your company, then decide if that number is high enough to justify recommending the SE.
Personally I would note the alterations in my report as a defect and move on. I see no reason to recommend further evaluation in this case.

Interesting discussion!

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Good way to put it.

Agreed - not your observations. If you’re worried it’ll cause you trouble down the line, then further eval by a qualified specialist may be necessary (we’re not specialists), additionally, you’d be surprised where the legality risks come into play in this business. In my experience its rarely negligence on our part as home inspectors, but rather minor things you wouldn’t even think of.

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