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  1. #1
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    Default Trusses spaced 4' apart?

    This is a guest house on the property. Several deficiencies in nearly all categories indicate amateur construction. The trusses in the attic are spaced 4' apart. Top and bottom cords are 2x6 and the webbing is 2x4. I have never seen this before and am confident that it is incorrect but I want to make sure. Is there a possible construction method that I am unaware of that would make this correct? Your comments are appreciated.

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  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
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    Default Re: Trusses spaced 4' apart?

    Yes, no, maybe.
    Really it depends on the design.
    From what I can see I would not be concerned.
    The strength of the truss will usually be much stronger than is required for the load with the weakest link being the span of the decking.
    The span for the OSB in this case would not be determined by the truss spacing but by what I will call the 2x4 purlins.
    These appear to be about 2' spacing which may be ok depending on the rating of the OSB.

    Jim Luttrall
    www.MrInspector.net
    Plano, Texas

  3. #3
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    Default Re: Trusses spaced 4' apart?

    Thanks for your comment Jim. Like I said I've never seen this before. Wouldn't the number of trusses directly effect the ability to transfer of load to earth? I never lifted the insulation to look but I also wonder about the ceiling coverings. I guess you would have to install bridging between the trusses to hang the drywall? This is important to the client because all of the other deficiencies can be corrected relatively easy and inexpensive but if the roof structure is not right it could be a major expense to correct. There were no signs of failure.


  4. #4
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    Nov 2011
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    Oregon, USA
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    Default Re: Trusses spaced 4' apart?

    Trusses at 4' centers is not typically a deficiency. It usually only means that each truss will carry a corresponding larger unit load into the exterior walls, than if the trusses were at 2' centers. You didn't mention what the wall framing is, but if there were "no signs of failure," things are probably OK.

    The log house I lived in for 5 years in Colorado had massive timber trusses, at (I think) 8' centers. Never any signs of problems, even though the snow load at our 8000' elevation was 110 lb. per square foot.


  5. #5
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    Default Re: Trusses spaced 4' apart?

    Thanks Bridgeman. The exterior walls appear to be 2x6.


  6. #6
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    Default Re: Trusses spaced 4' apart?

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Luttrall View Post
    The span for the OSB in this case would not be determined by the truss spacing but by what I will call the 2x4 purlins.
    These appear to be about 2' spacing which may be ok depending on the rating of the OSB.
    OSB is to be installed with the long dimension parallel with the span, i.e., perpendicular to the supports - just like plywood is.

    The OSB shown is installed the equivalent of plywood with the face grain perpendicular to the span, i.e., parallel with the support - in other words, the OSB in installed incorrectly using the 2x4 purlins as the supports. This installation also leaves the ends of the OSB unsupported above the trusses but in open air because of the 2x4 purlins.

    I would want an engineer to bless this construction. Yes, there are times when trusses are designed for 4 foot centers instead of 2 foot centers, but the OSB creates a problem as it is installed, thus I would want an engineer to the laying on of hands and bless that work, because I am not going to.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  7. #7
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    Feb 2008
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    Default Re: Trusses spaced 4' apart?

    There appears to be metal diagonal metal braces installed under the decking secured to the trusses.


  8. #8
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    Default Re: Trusses spaced 4' apart?

    Also notice that the gable end wall is not a gable end truss. That means the OSB cannot be installed properly with regard to direction over supports and nailing pattern.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  9. #9
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    Default Re: Trusses spaced 4' apart?

    Here's a couple more pics. The vent pipe is servicing the water heater. The house is slab on grade. A single plumbing supply comes through the slab and is distributed to the fixtures through the attic.

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  10. #10
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    Columbus GA
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    Default Re: Trusses spaced 4' apart?

    Quote Originally Posted by Bill Anglin View Post
    Here's a couple more pics. The vent pipe is servicing the water heater. The house is slab on grade. A single plumbing supply comes through the slab and is distributed to the fixtures through the attic.
    The water lines should be insulated to protect from freezing.

    ' correct a wise man and you gain a friend... correct a fool and he'll bloody your nose'.

  11. #11
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    Nov 2011
    Location
    Oregon, USA
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    Default Re: Trusses spaced 4' apart?

    And not many shingle nails are visible, penetrating the OSB. Nails too short, or did they use roll roofing?


  12. #12
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    Default Re: Trusses spaced 4' apart?

    It is a metal roof


  13. #13
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    Feb 2008
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    Caledon, Ontario
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    Default Re: Trusses spaced 4' apart?

    This is the sort of framing I see (4' oc with trusses w/ 2x4 purlins) on horse arenas which all have metal roofs.

    From JLC-
    Whether or not a metal roof can be installed without a solid deck depends on if the metal roof product is structural (high strength) or architectural (lower strength). If you install without a solid deck, the walkability on the roof may be jeapordize. It is best to consult with the manufacturer or supplier of the roof product before installing.


  14. #14
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    Apr 2007
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    state of jefferson
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    Default Re: Trusses spaced 4' apart?

    i question the structural integrity of the 2x4's laid flat at 4' o.c. to support the roof loads. provide truss calcs and plans. i don't like the exposed paper on the insulation. i also wonder how the interior ceiling is applied to trusses at 4' o.c.


  15. #15
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
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    Southern Vancouver Island
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    Default Re: Trusses spaced 4' apart?

    Quote Originally Posted by Bill Anglin View Post
    It is a metal roof
    That small tidbit of info makes all the difference. It is customary to install metal roofing on horizontal strapping just like that.

    Quote Originally Posted by brian schmitt View Post
    i don't like the exposed paper on the insulation. i also wonder how the interior ceiling is applied to trusses at 4' o.c.
    Those are good points.
    Walking that attic without stepping thru the ceiling would be a challenge as well.

    John Kogel, RHI, BC HI Lic #47455
    www.allsafehome.ca

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