Originally Posted By: Lew Lewis This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Eric, you said in your post that you frequently see the skip sheathing removed with the original wood shingles/shakes. Therefore, the 1/2" roof sheathing needs only the rafters for support. If there are some missing or broken skip sheathing, it is not an issue. If the rafters are 24"o.c., it might be an issue.
I'm not sure what you meant by damage to the main beams.
The rafters are damaged from the fire. Sister 'em and be done with it, goddamit! No need for a P.E.!
Originally Posted By: tallen This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Lew ,
I for one will never tell someone how to fix structural damage of any kind. I point out the problem and refer it to the most qualified authority. 
-- I have put the past behind me,
where , however, it now sits, making rude remarks.
Originally Posted By: evandeven This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Quote:
The rafters are damaged from the fire. Sister 'em and be done with it, goddamit! No need for a P.E.!
Well, when Joe handyman "sisters" them and the house closes, what do you think will happen when the homeowner tries to sell this house?
I hope you have good insurance. You'll need it.
Engineers designed the roof system and therefore, shouldn't they be the ones to certify its soundness?
And on another note, would you buy a house that looked like this? One that was "sistered"?
I wouldn't!
-- Eric Van De Ven
Owner/Inspector
Magnum Inspections Inc.
I get paid to be suspicious when there is nothing to be suspicious about!
www.magnuminspections.com
Originally Posted By: Lew Lewis This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Eric,
By the looks of the age of that house, I doubt it was designed by an engineer. So what's wrong with sistering the rafters; I see it done frequently. I would doubt that anyone would remove the rafter and replace it. I tell clients how to fix stuff all the time, including structural issues, as long as it's a simple fix like this one.
I've been doing inspections since 1987 with this approach and never had an issue as a result. Fully insured, of course.
Originally Posted By: mbazzo This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
My wife works for a large insurance company. when a fire occurs at a home and the adjuster comes out to look at the damage and notices structural issues, he will request a structral engineer evaluate the extent of the damage as a part of the claim.
Originally Posted By: jpope This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I answered (A) even though I didn't think it was totally correct. I don't believe the sheathing was ever "replaced." I believe it was added after the fire with the new roof covering.
I didn't feel that (C) was a good call - recommend futher evaluation of structure by Licensed PE/SE - because (1) it's likely this has already been done and (2) the damage didn't appear to be extensive and (3) they are rafters, not trusses. Rafters can be repaired by a qualified contractor without evaluation by a PE or SE.
It may be that Lew has been around long enough and is comfortable with giving recommendations as to repair methods. I highly recommend that we do not do this. It's not our responsibility, and in my opinion, not good practice.
-- Jeff Pope
JPI Home Inspection Service
"At JPI, we'll help you look better"
(661) 212-0738
Originally Posted By: Blaine Wiley This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I also answered A, and for many of the same reasons as JP. In both areas I have worked, fire damaged properties will have gone through an insurance inspection, and county building permits and inspections. If the insurance adjuster feels the damage is significant enough, and the engineer agrees, the entire failed portion of the structure (in this case the roof) must be replaced.
I guess the only caveat would be a small fire that the homeowner put out, then had his brother come over to fix. But that doesn't usually include putting on an entire new roof including sheathing. 
Originally Posted By: roconnor This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I think you guys would be on a pretty slipery slope just assuming a permit was obtained for that work, and that any repairs were designed and inspected. The same goes for anything questionable.
But even if something is done with a permit, it doesn't mean it was done right, or that it was thoroughly checked and inspected. I see things done wrong all the time that are permitted and signed off. Some inspectors are stretched real thin, and some areas don't even have inspectors ... 
I have worked as a building official, and I can tell ya first hand it is just a reality that we do not live in a perfect world.
-- Robert O'Connor, PE
Eagle Engineering ?
Eagle Eye Inspections ?
NACHI Education Committee
I am absolutely amazed sometimes by how much thought goes into doing things wrong
Originally Posted By: mbazzo This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
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Indications of fire damage to roof/rafters and subsequent roof repair/replacement. It is recommended that receipts be obtained showing that appropriate repairs were made by a state licensed contractor
If the home owner can't provide receipts or there'e evidence that the repair was made by a unqualified contractor or there was no insurance claim made. then I would agree an engineer should inspect for structural soundness.
Originally Posted By: gbeaumont This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
and that is what I personally would recommend.
Jeff P, well spotted, this is not one of my own photos, so I don't know the full history, but I suspect that you are correct about the fire being on the original wood shingle covering, the burn pattern would support that.
Originally Posted By: Lew Lewis This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Gerry, I’ll play the devil’s advocate.
If I was a client reading your report, I would have some questions. What do you want the P.E. to evaluate? The roof sheathing, framing or a full investigation of the structure of the just the roof, or the entire house? Or whether there is additional, hidden damage? If only the sheathing was damaged, why evaluate the structure?
Originally Posted By: gbeaumont This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Hi Lew,
my main concern would be the charing to the roof rafters, and to what extent they have been weakened by the fire, also I am not too thrilled with the fact that the former skip-sheathing was not stripped off prior to re-sheathing, as it is clear in the photograph that the original skip-sheathing has burned right through over th roof rafters.
also you have to recognize that the QOD is about getting inspectors to discuss these very issues, so your devils advocacy is most welcome 
Originally Posted By: smcintire This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Gerry, Thank you for the answer I think this was an excellent Question! I still do not know which of the two answers A or C are better I tend to lean towards A , But when that problem does face me I will feel more comfortable and educated to make that decision.