Replies

1. 
   Dave45 | Oct 31, 2009 07:18am | #1

   As long as there's no decay, the wood should be fine. It looks like the wood has been reasonably "high and dry" all these years.

   I'm betting that if there is any rot, it will be where the wet subfloor laid on the wood.

   
   

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   Edited 10/31/2009 12:19 am by Dave45

2. 
   verndawg23 | Oct 31, 2009 09:02am | #2

   Take your hammer along and give it a few whacks. You'll be able to tell pretty soon what condition it's in. Ya never know...

1. 
   dude | Oct 31, 2009 09:22am | #3

   simple test for rot is take a jackkife and see if you can plunge it in anywhere easily & if you can that piece is rotten

3. 
   frenchy | Oct 31, 2009 01:01pm | #4

   assuming no rot or punky spots found oxidation of the wood should matter except for cosmetic reasons..

     Most wooden shingles turn grey and even though they are mere slivers of wood last a very long time exposed to weather.

4. 
   danno7x | Oct 31, 2009 02:53pm | #5

   I would only be worried about the top of the those trusses.  If any water was held in by the subfloor on top you'll find rot.  I suspect it wont be that bad, but get the subfloor off it first.

   I guess I'd be worried about anyplace it looks like water can sit (like the top of the wall), and check those thourghly. 

   
   

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   Edited 10/31/2009 7:55 am ET by danno7x

5. 
   DanH | Oct 31, 2009 02:57pm | #6

   You need to double-check the soundness of the metal braces, and their attachment to the wood. Especially where they haven't been fully protected from the rain, the spikes on them may have rusted quite a bit and not be holding well.

   And, as someone else said, when you pull the sheathing off check for punky spots on top of the trusses.

   A strong nation, like a strong person, can afford to be gentle, firm, thoughtful, and restrained. It can afford to extend a helping hand to others. It's a weak nation, like a weak person, that must behave with bluster and boasting and rashness and other signs of insecurity. --Jimmy Carter
6. 
   mikeroop | Oct 31, 2009 04:24pm | #7

   definetly check the metal connections to the wood trusses left exposed to the weather often times the metal plates tend to work out of the wood.

   and besides do you realize the job it would be to try and replace them later with a house built on them? I would check them very carefully and replace any that you had doubts about now.

7. 
   oomingmuk | Oct 31, 2009 06:32pm | #8

   Thanks everybody for your input - I'll have a second look witha more critical eye and make sure anything re-used won't cause loss of sleep...

   Cheers

8. 
   Junkman001 | Oct 31, 2009 06:34pm | #9

   I don't like dealing with the authorities, but I'd ckeck with the AHJ.

    

   Mike

   Insert initially amusing but ultimately annoying catch phrase here.
1. 
   oomingmuk | Oct 31, 2009 06:43pm | #10

   I was actually thinking I may suggest the truss company and/or an independent structural engineer have a look and give their opinion (i.e. take the liability). A few hundred bucks at this stage for peace of mind before a building goes up is well worth the investment...

9. 
   MGMaxwell | Oct 31, 2009 07:39pm | #11

   Put a ramp on the side and drive your truck across on some 2x10's. Good scientific test. BTW have some one on site with video. Later you'll want to check for deflection.

1. 
   DanH | Nov 01, 2009 12:24am | #12

   What do you think the video will go for, on American's Funniest Videos?
   A strong nation, like a strong person, can afford to be gentle, firm, thoughtful, and restrained. It can afford to extend a helping hand to others. It's a weak nation, like a weak person, that must behave with bluster and boasting and rashness and other signs of insecurity. --Jimmy Carter

1. 
   MGMaxwell | Nov 01, 2009 01:28am | #14

   down here it would only be the third item on the nightly news.

10. 
    excaliber32 | Nov 01, 2009 12:44am | #13

    Pressure Treated foundation? Thats one for Big Poison! You need to get Walnut or Brazilian TigerWood for its natural decay resistance because the poisons leach into the soil ;P

    Ditto what everyone else said.

1. 
   MGMaxwell | Nov 01, 2009 01:30am | #15

   Pressure treated doesn't leach much at all. I might consider that a valid criticism for the sawdust but not for intact plates. Besides it will last longer than walnut and doesn't involve tropical forests. On the risk/benefit scale PT wins.

11. 
    Dinosaur | Nov 01, 2009 02:10am | #16

    Very similar to a project at the end of my lake; guy dug and poured a foundation on a $500 building lot in the early 80s, then built a floor on that and covered it with a sort of homespun BUR made of 90# roll roofing and asphalt driveway sealer.

    Left it that way until late 90s, then his ship came in and he started building.

    First thing they did was rip off the floor and dumpster it. BI wouldn't even discuss it. Foundation was concrete tho, so that they kept and modified it by cutting a couple of new doorways and pouring new sections joined to it.

    I would not build a house on top of a buried wood foundation unless I didn't care how long it lasted. Best species for that sort of thing would be hemlock, but even so. Looking at 20-30 years max, I'd guess.

    Are you planning a residence or a hunting camp?

    Dinosaur

    How now, Mighty Sauron, that thou art not brought
    low by this? For thine evil pales before that which
    foolish men call Justice....