Originally Posted By: rmagee
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I occasionally run across what I document as “site built trusses”. These can normally be identified by plywood webbing and insufficient nails or connectors as well as the lack of an engineering stamp. They are not pre-engineered and do not normally contain the pre-stressed lumber components found in factory built trusses. In 20 years as an insurance claims adjuster 100% of all roof snow load failures involved “site built trusses”.
I have been recommending that "site built trusses" be examined by a structural engineer. In the few cases where an engineer has been consulted they have recommended larger webbing and many more nails.
Recently a real estate broker told me I was being too picky and that many local carpenters could build trusses better than any factory. He claimed other inspectors don't even mention possible problems with non-engineered trusses.
What are the rest of us doing in this situation? Do you bring your clients attention to the situation? Recommend an engineer? I plan to continue what I have been doing but I am wondering if I am way off track here or what.
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Rick Magee
Building Check Ltd.
Fredericton, N.B. Canada
1-506-454-3332
bcheck@nbnet.nb.ca
"check with a professional"
I have never had to notch a truss or cut into one. Taught early enough in my learning if you think ahead and lay the wall out so the truss plan works and set the hurricane straps on the right side of the line when the tie beam is pumped things work out ok. Most carpenters lost the craftsman ship that came with the trade. 