Okay, if the picture shows, that 2×4 is what he wanted.
The roof is framed with 2×12 – 24″oc with a 2×12 as the ridge.
If there is anyway to remove the 2×4 in the middle of the triangle window and support it some other way that would “please” the inspector, please let me know.
I’m just a dyi-er but two of my general contractor friend, one who framed the roof, think it is ridiculous.
This window installation system allows most of the work to be done from the inside, making the process faster and safer for one person working alone.
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial NowGet instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
Replies
Need more info:
What else would be holding up the 2x12 structural ridge if you take out the 2x4?
Maybe a larger picture showing more of the gable wall would help.
Thanks. Ignore the board. I'm trying a wireless experiement
Huck is right, what your inspector and I am seeing is a potential for the walls parallel to the ridge to spread out from load.What you now have is a structural ridge with no leg to stand on. To resist spreading, the load needs to be placed on a structural ridge with a load path to the foundation. Alternatively, spreading loads can be handled by means of collar ties or other members that tie the outside walls to each other.
Personally, I would change the upper window to two triangles on either side of the support, or eliminate it.Horizontal ties as a remedy wouldn't be all that difficult to do, but would impact the design considerably more, in my opinion.
Luck,
HeckWhat the HECK was I thinking?
"Personally, I would change the upper window to two triangles on either side of the support, or eliminate it."Good suggestion. And I agree about the aesthetics of the ties. I wonder how it would look if he just painted that 2x4 white to match the window frame?
Edited 2/1/2005 4:37 pm ET by Huck
Don't know how that would look, but it gives me another idea:How about a 4x4 there, carved into a totem? <g>What the HECK was I thinking?
My guess is he's concerned about the weight of the roof pushing the walls out. Collar-ties or ceiling joists tied in to the rafters would probably do. Another option might be to go with two web-members that v-out from the bottom, rather than the one vertical. Since you are now trying to persuade the inspector, better have a little sketch signed by a structural engineer, if poss. Shouldn't cost very much.
Thanks. I'll look into that.
The other two are covering the strucural.
I would turn down the insulation job. Youre not plannin on rockin that are ya ?
Tim Mooney
#1 pull out the insulation and look at the kings on the side of the rectangle window, now say you add 2x? on the flat plane with the proper structural connector to create the offset path for the ridge load.
Needs a engineering signoff for the inspector
Inspector has already signed for framing. He just wanted that short 2 x 4 on the header.
We've been long into this project. The roof has been framed for 2 years and no problems.
But, I guess I'll just have to put a "tint" on the window so it can't be seen from outside.
Your not really giving enough information without moving the insulation out of the way. It looks to me that there's a structural ridge in there and it's framed wrong. The situation you have you don't need to go down to the foundation at all if it's a structural ridge. The header that the little triangle window is sitting on should've been a micolam designed from the Architect or Engineer to support the beam above and let's say that you have a 5-1/2" x 11-7/8 structural beam up there you would have to get rid of that 2x4 and that triangle window and put posts underneath that beam down on top of a microlam to hold up the beam. Does the plans show structural exposed collar ties?
This should've all been on the plans. So what do the plans call for and who framed it?
So are you saying that the load doesn't ultimately run to the foundation?I never intended to infer that a direct path was required, just that a load path be established to the structural ridge to prevent the possibility of wall spread.
I really think we are saying the same thing, in different ways.
I see several possible solutions to this problem, I was using my linear thinking to propose a relatively simple one.
What the HECK was I thinking?
Well, here a pic of it getting framed.
Again, thanks for the input, everone.
I'm looking at it and rethinking -- nomod needed just contact a engineer and have him spec the load as is and it should be ok with out the 2x in the window. Like your friend is thinking. What the ----
Edited 2/2/2005 8:41 pm ET by Clay
Thanks. Hopefully it won't cost an arm and a leg. Pass the insulation inspection. Down to just dry and front porch rail.