Is there a threshold of how deep a gash can be on a truss before being called out for repairs? For example, if the gash is deeper than a certain amount of inches, it is an immediate write-up.
Were there any signs that condition compromised the building’s structural integrity at all?
It looks like someone dragged a pile of trusses with a chain or something like that.
To me, it DOES NOT look like something that I would call out for repairs.
Document it and move on, not an issue.
That damage is consistent with the bottom truss in the truss package getting damaged as it falls off the delivery truck.
This^^^
Maybe keep backup photos for your records.
All that being said… the first few trusses on the bottom of the stack are notorious for getting significant damage when falling off the truck. typically they literally take off the hold down straps , tilt the bed back and do hole shot to cause the trusses to fall off the truck. They often drop them directly on uneven ground or large rocks/boulders/debris.
Pay careful attention to all the webs and gussets of that truss and the trusses in the immediate vicinity, they get damaged frequently.
The Truss Plate Institute (TPI) has all the references for truss construction/fabrication.
The Structural Building Components Association BCSI Building Component Safety Information has the references for truss/construction/erection and safe handling.
It may very well be okay, but if I saw that I would write it up as a damaged upper chord and recommend further evaluation by a Structural Engineer.
how much roof truss damage is too much? - Google Search
Significant damage to roof trusses, such as large cracks, buckling, or significant deterioration, is considered too much and warrants professional inspection and potential repair or replacement. Minor damage like small cracks or isolated deterioration might be repairable, but it’s crucial to consult with a structural engineer or qualified roofing professional to assess the extent of the damage and determine the appropriate course of action.
how much roof truss damage is allowed? - Google Search
There is no specific “allowable damage” for roof trusses. Any damage, including cracks, splits, or sagging, can compromise their structural integrity and should be addressed by a professional. Trusses are designed to carry specific loads, and alterations, including damage, can affect their performance.
Here’s why even minor damage is a concern:
- Structural Integrity:
Roof trusses are designed to distribute weight and stresses. Damage can create weak points, leading to potential collapse or further damage.
- Load Bearing:
Trusses are engineered to handle specific loads. Damage can reduce their load-bearing capacity, potentially causing issues with the roof’s stability.
- Professional Assessment:
Only a qualified professional, such as a structural engineer or the original truss manufacturer, can properly assess the extent of damage and determine the appropriate repair or replacement.
Ty For all the responses. As a bonus here is a photo from the house I did prior that morning.
Guess they reeeeealy wanted to fit the attic stairs in there.
That needs evaluation and correction.
Yeah and it looks like they they even skimped on the “nail” in the hinge. I know they all don’t call for it, but that style with the spring over I am pretty sure does.
The truss is damaged, they should condemn the house and put it in a dumpster.
My question is how are they going to fix the whole section of truss they cut out? Will they move the stairs and re-add webbing with wood gusset plates?
Ask the structural engineer that you refer the problem to.
They’re going to have a hard time fixing that hot mess. That is a 3-ply girder truss, likely at a front gable area. It should be carrying the loads of the common trusses attached to it from the back. At this point, that girder truss ain’t doing much structurally. Going to be a difficult repair.
^^^Exactly, not your job. That is for an Engineer to decide.
BTW there’s a “Code” for that too…
Reference Florida Building code: R802.1.7.4 [IRC 802.10.4] Alterations to trusses. Truss members shall not be cut, notched, drilled, spliced or otherwise altered in any way without the approval of a registered design professional. Alterations resulting in the addition of load (e.g., HVAC equipment, water heater) that exceeds the design load for the truss shall not be permitted without verification that the truss is capable of supporting such additional loading.
Reference Florida Building Code Building 2303.4.5 Alterations to trusses.
Truss members and components shall not be cut, notched, drilled, spliced or otherwise altered in any way without written concurrence and approval of a registered design professional. Alterations resulting in the addition of loads to any member (e.g., HVAC equipment, piping, additional roofing or insulation, etc.) shall not be permitted without verification that the truss is capable of supporting such additional loading.
OH yea and the builder might laugh at you too, because you know, “it pasted Code”.
I know it’s not my job to know I was just genuinely curious.
Also are you referencing my “odd HVAC” post with this:joy:

OH yea and the builder might laugh at you too, because you know, “it pasted Code”.

I know it’s not my job to know I was just genuinely curious
No idea how they will prescribe that repair. Typical repairs of broken/damaged trusses involve scab reinforcement and/or large plywood gusset plates with specific nails and nail patterns. I’ve heard of one case where the engineer called for the roof to be opened up and the entire truss replaced. I can’t remember the extent of the damage of that inspection.
The builders love to send a guy up there with a couple 2x4’s and a hammer and call it “fixed”. Be sure (your client) gets engineered approved docs and the repair is per the docs.
Here’s one from a recent inspection. The “repair” they provided was not even close to the repair doc in this case.
Truss company came out and agreed it needed to be fixed and they repaired it. Ty for the input.

Truss company came out and agreed it needed to be fixed and they repaired it
The truss company or the framers that set the trusses? The scraped truss in the OP or the cut truss at the attic access later in thread? Was there an engineer drawing(s) for the repair(s)?
Scraped truss. It was the truss company that came out. Not sure if they did engineering drawing but I would be surprised if they didn’t as this company always does when they make repairs. Didn’t see it on a re-inspection or anything. the agent let me know that the buyer was appreciative that I called it out as the truss company came out and did repairs.
I have heard nothing about that cut truss . That cut truss was on an “as is” deal