I have 5 places where double LVL headers tee into double LVL joists.
The literature, LVL’s should be 1 3/4″ thick.
Thus a double should be 3 1/2″ thick
I choose a Simpson hanger that was has a 3 1/2″ pocket.
Problem .. when I measure my LVL’s, they are 1 7/8″ think … thus a double is 3 3/4′” thick!
I called the company and they just chalked it off as manufacturing variations and moisture (weather conditions) and ….
OK so that does not help … a 3 3/4″ double will not fit into a 3 1/2″ pocket.
I can’t be the only one with this problem … what do you guys do?
I could shave down the LVL to fit it …. or I could get a 4″ connector and pad it by 1/4″ ….
Just a bit lost ….
Thanks …. Mike
Replies
Most framers shave the LVLs down a bit. I'm not sure how that plays with the manufacturer's instructions though. To be sure, I'd contact the LVL manufacturer.
I contacted the manufacturer ... they said I can shave it down as long as it is not "too much".
They didn't really say what too much is but they said it if it only an 1/8 off each one ( don't take a 1/4 off one and nothing off the other) then I would be OK.
I knew others much have this problem ...
They gave a bunch of reasons this happens ... moisture ... manufacturing ....
Just wanted to make sure I was not hurting the strength of the LVL .
It is way over rated anyway ... I am only at 50% of the load rating when loaded to the max. The TJI's beside them would fail first.
Thanks!
Mike
PS ... I also contacted Simpson .. they said the same thing ... shave it down or pad it out.