Construction

Gable End Bracing

Question: 

Some building designers believe that gable end webs need to be L-braced to 90% of the web length, which sounds fine. However, they spec that scissors gable end webs need to be braced to 100% of the web length. That means that in the field they are notching the braces to fit around top and bottom chords – you can imagine how difficult that can be. Is that necessary or even the intent of the web L-bracing?

Bracing Schematics

Question: 

Are there any schematics available on how to horizontally brace a 7/12 pitch roof?

Repairs To Field Modified Damaged Trusses

Question: 

As a home inspector, I have recently inspected an existing home with an attic truss system installed. Several of the truss web members have been cut away to allow access to an attic-mounted heating system. Can you recommend repairs to a truss with cut web members?

Decking On Bottom Chord

Question: 

Can I put a wood deck (1/2 in. plywood) on top of the bottom chord of a 26 foot span truss 24 inches on center?

Sprinkler Loading

Question: 

Does the NFPA sprinkler standard address sprinkler loading? If so, how and where do I buy it? What other information do you have on sprinkler loading? How do other truss companies price jobs for sprinkler loading the plans do not include a sprinkler layout or even say what size/type of sprinkler system will be used?

Adequate Trusses

Question: 

Where can I find specs for what would be adequate trusses? I have a room with a 24 ft. span and my contractor is using trusses where the bottom plate is composed of 2x4s butted together and fastened with a metal plate. Is this ok?

Age Restriction On Lumber In Trusses

Question: 

I would like to know if there is an age restriction on wood trusses. How long after production are they safe to use? The trusses in question are at least three to four months old. Are they still safe to use? They have not been covered the entire time and are showing signs of age.

Why Are Some Design Choices Better than Others?

Dan Morris—a field service engineer at Apex Technology—and Kelly LaBlance—a technical manager with Builders FirstSource—are both convinced that developing and maintaining a design QC process has helped their companies. Their expertise in analyzing designs and finding creative solutions to solve or even prevent problems was on display as they guided BCMC attendees through common design mistakes and the issues they cause in the field. 

Long Span Truss Installation

Long span trusses can pose significant risk to installers. The dimensions and weight of a long span truss can create instability, buckling and collapse of one or many trusses, if not handled, installed, restrained and braced properly. As such, they require more detailed safety and handling measures than shorter span trusses. This research report provides guidelines for proper handling and installation of long span trusses for both wood and cold-formed steel.

Gypsum Joint Ridging and Cracking

Drywall cracking and ridging are typical problems seen in ceilings and walls of homes. Sometimes, both of these issues appear at the same location, with cracking appearing in wetter months and ridging in drier months. This problem has become more widespread as homeowners insist on larger rooms and open floor plans that have large clear span areas. This Research Report evaluates local environment changes that play a significant role in every gypsum ridging and cracking case.