Here is a picture of a valley rafter with an OSB gusset. Is a gusset acceptable in this area and if so, is OSB appropriate for this application or should the gusset be made of plywood?

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Greg Jenkins

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No like! However, if they had installed a 2X support post under the valley rafter joint along with a gusset plate, I'd have bought that.

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Jerry McCarthy
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Greg,
That gusset you're looking at is commonly referred to as a scab. The rafter has been spliced. If it's going to be there, it should have scabs on both sides and a brace to bearing beneath, as close to the splice as possible. The scabs should extend minimum 2 feet beyond the splice on both sides of the splice.

I do not find the method discussed in IRC. Someone else might. However, I have seen it in the former Texas windstorm code and I have seen it employed in many municipalities. I've seen the technique used in engineered framing. I write it up when any of the components I mentioned are missing. Otherwise, I note the number and locations of the splices and whether or not I see any visible evidence of failure as a result.

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