I could use a little HELP

[dltflt]

When they installed a new furnace about 5 years ago they cut this support. What is the best and correct way to fix it?  The attached pictures are the cut as well as the top and bottom connection. I am doing this work because we are selling the house and This is what the inspector pointed ou. Thanks in advance.

 

[AlexThePalex]

One possible solution: two strong metal plates on either side, and bolt it all together.

[attachimg=1]

 

[dltflt]

That is a good idea but it is only a 2 X 4. Do you think it might weaken the 2 X 4 by drilling multiple holes?

 

[Brice Burrell]

I'd just put a 2x4 on each side, make them as long as you can. 

 

[dltflt]

I'd just put a 2x4 on each side, make them as long as you can.

Will that pass code?

 

[1951CorrectCraft]

They cut an engineered truss. You will need an engineered solution. Had ta similar thing happen to a floor truss in a home I was building for a client. Had to have the truss company provide us a stamped solution.

 

[tjbnwi]

3/4" plywood on each side of the strut. The plywood needs to extend 2' past the cut in each direction. Construction adhesive and staple with 7/16 crown staples 1-1/2" long.

As pointed out, you'll need an engineer to stamp the repair.

Tom

 

[dltflt]

So I’m assuming trying to remove the truss connector plates and replace board and new truss plates is not a good idea?

 

[rizzoa13]

So I’m assuming trying to remove the truss connector plates and replace board and new truss plates is not a good idea?

It would have been BEFORE the inspector saw it... just saying.

Its not a legit fix because the truss connectors are usually compressed on a huge press and you just smashing it with your hammer isn't the same. Like everyone has said you'll need a structural engineer to sign off on it. You'll probably pay for an hour or two of their time and they will give you the fix they are most comfortable with.

 

[Naildrivingman]

Another solution is utilizing the engineering of the truss company who supplied these members (if they are still in business).  I had to modify a truss for a skylight a number of years ago and the cost was significant for a private engineer versus the truss company’s engineer.  In my case, they were able to do the calcs without a site visit.

To put your mind at ease, I don’t think you are looking at a complicated repair.  I’m on board with the suggestions tendered above.

Good luck!

 

[Bob D.]

Too bad you didn't see this 5 years ago as you could have made the contractor who cut it pay for the engineering to repair it since they are the ones who put you in this situation.

 

[dltflt]

Update:  I called the contractor yesterday and they actually returned my call this morning.  They will be out here tomorrow to fix the truss and everything else that they did improperly.  I am shocked that I even received a return phone call.

Thank You guys for all the help.  Love this forum.

 

[Bob D.]

That's great, and I will say I didn't expect it after 5 years from the contractor.

 

[peter halle]

Great news!

In some states (like mine) contractors can be held accountable for building code violations for life.  I once used this for a customer to have a contractor repair a situation that was 14 years old.

But Building Inspectors that miss things are protected.  Arghh.

Peter

 

[jimbo51]

Back in the mid 1980s, I read a story from suburban Philadelphia in which an HVAC contractor had cut out most of a main wooden beam to run a duct. The error was not detected until the living room above started to develop a major dip in the floor. I never did read about how that problem was resolved.