Today was the first time that I have seen trusses and stick framing attached together. It appears that the builder wanted or needed to add additional framing on the trusses. I did not see and signs of damage. Only that there were an entire 2 foot addition on top of the rear roofing. Trusses are deigned to support a specific load tolerance. This would likely put additional load not accounted for on the trusses. I am more concerned that there are no connectors, only fasteners to hold everything together. Any insight is appreciated.
If the trusses have been modified I would be recommending a Structural Engineer for further evaluation.
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It seem like the trusses were not modified, just additional static load added. If there are no overt problems like rafter sagging or saddleback and there are no wind mitigation requirements (concerns) in your area, then I would make note of the rafter additions in the report and refer them to a structural engineer if the client has any concerns.
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Afternoon, Tripp.
Thanks for sharing. Good resource for new inspectors to learn from.
Semi Detached?
My opinion…That is certainly one roof framing curiosity. A flimsy at best stick framed roof trusses to increase the roof height.
I see no nailing flanges or plywood gussets. Intersections are lapped with too few fasteners.
I imagined the builder is relying on the sheathing to hold it/tie it in all together.
Most Sloped Roof Truss consist of; Bottom chord. Upper chord. At times splices. Webs. Nailing flanges. Gussets plates.
In this case, Bottom chord. Upper chord. Webs.
Idea: Effectively distribute weight and resist loads by creating tension and compression forces within its individual components.
I would recommend a structural engineer immediately evaluate the roof structure, in my neck of the woods, due to snow loading.
Identify and improve any arears of concern.
Act upon any recommendations therein.
Lets wait for others to chime in.
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The thing that really makes me scratch my head is that there is/was no need to add additional height.
What year was the property erected? Remember COVID and buying building materials?
There was a need to increase the height in my opinion. If you look at the CMU firewall it would have protruded ><3 feet higher than the roof deck if those additional roof trusses weren’t installed.
My thoughts: 1: Builder may have had left over roof trusses from another project and to save money used what they had. 2: Builder maybe purchased left over roof trusses from another builder and to save money used those roof trusses. 3: Builder may have ordered the wrong size and was in a time crunch to complete the job.
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Built in 1989
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I’m not an SE, but IMO the installation of those supports in the manner that they did, is a modification to the configuration the truss was designed for and changes the load calculations of the trusses. Think of a 4 foot heavy snow load.
I can understand why you’re scratching your head, I quit asking why a long time ago. 
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I have inspected a few houses with a newer higher pitched roof over the original roof. All of them were modified to match the pitch on the new addition. All of original roofs still had shingles on them.
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Looks like a sketchy roof over. The original truss system below has the correct truss webs but the roof over only has bracing in one direction. The top chord of the roof over also does not lap correctly for construction at least in Florida where it must lap 2 feet passed any repair or addition. I agree with Kevin and would recommend further evaluation by a Structural Engineer.
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