In the featured photograph we see where the rafter fractured at its end. This fracture was due to vertical tension in the rafter. That is, the weight of the roof framing and the snow were pushing downward along the length… Read More
Category Archives: Construction & Shortcuts
What Can Happen to Unbraced Wood Truss Web Members?
So, what happens when the web members of a wood truss are not braced laterally as specified by the truss manufacturer? When a wood truss is designed and constructed by a truss manufacturer, the manufacturer commonly provides drawings that show… Read More
Which wood framed structure would you expect to be stronger?
Which wood framed structure would you expect to be stronger? Number 1 or Number 2? Wood framed construction built in accordance with prescriptive framing methods. (Prescriptive framing methods are established upon rule of thumb guidelines that have developed from the… Read More
Unbalanced Backfill & A Garage Foundation Wall
It is not uncommon for a garage floor slab to be raised above the original grade, especially where the grade around the garage slopes down from front to back or side to side. This hillside or sloped grade setting will… Read More
Are You Feeling Lucky? (Construction by Dummies – Headers)
In our continuing series of Construction by Dummies, we discuss headers for timber framing, specifically the members that frame around an opening through a floor or roof. Openings are often necessary through a floor or roof for the penetration of… Read More
Woven Valleys – Construction for Dummies
In our continuing series of Construction by Dummies, we discuss woven valleys for asphalt shingles. A woven valley is one method of installation for asphalt shingles at a valley where two intersecting roof slopes meet (see featured photo above). It… Read More
Silly Roofing Details – Flashing (Part 1)
Our continuing series of Construction & Shortcuts by Dummies goes on the roof this week to look at flashing. Proper flashing is a critical detail for all shingled roofs. Proper flashing is usually comprised of metal or a rubberized membrane.… Read More