Originally Posted By: rmagee This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
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.
-- Rick Magee
Building Check Ltd.
Fredericton, N.B. Canada
1-506-454-3332
bcheck@nbnet.nb.ca
"check with a professional"
Originally Posted By: kpapp This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I think you are right in what you are doing… You are doing your job by telling your customer the truth and giving a recommendation as what they may want to do…what the customer does with that recommendation is up to them. It is in your report and if the roof does fail then you are covered.
That is my story and I am sticking to it.
Ken
-- _______________________________________
If you dont have time to do it right the first time, When will you have the time to go back and fix it?
Originally Posted By: Susan This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I see enough problems with carpenters and engineered trusses (they cut 'em, crack 'em, notch 'em). I don’t think any of them could build a site built truss if they wanted to!!
Last Friday the head carpenter for a large truss co. got mad at me because I questioned the structural integrity and strength of a stair landing. He said "what's your problem with it Sue? I did this myself! These are engineered stairs and I attached them with 40d nails! You could park a truck on this landing!" My answer to him; "nails are fasteners, not designed to carry loads; and as far as engineered that's fine, then why the 2x4 propped cockeyed under the corner and not carried down to the plate?"
If it doesn't look right, there's a good sign to recommend further evaluation (because it's probably wrong!!).
Originally Posted By: Ronald Reedy This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I have worked in the carpentry trade for more years than I want to remember. 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.
– The best place to start your real estate transaction is with the home inspection
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. 