A scissors truss provides the benefits of a vaulted ceiling in the same framing time as standard roof trusses. Structural engineers and special software customize the roof truss to your home roof pitch. Use standard trusses in part of your home and the scissors trusses or another special truss in other sections. Explore all truss options with your builder for custom results.
Can I Cut My Roof Trusses TIPS Trusses can be cut A structural engineer will create a plan WATCH the truss videos below Call a structural engineer to prevent roof collapse CLICK HERE to Get Tim's FREE & FUNNY Newsletter! DEAR TIM: My family is growing and I need to move my home office. I Read More »
Diagonal braces are used to keep your building project square and structurally solid. Without bracing, walls or decks can collapse since there isn't any lateral stability. Be sure to check your building codes for diagonal brace requirements.
Tar paper has been time-tested as a weather barrier. Normally used on roofs, tar paper makes a great barrier for the exterior walls of your housing, building or shed. Tar paper keeps the wood beneath it dry.
Modify Wood and Attic Trusses TIPS Trusses can be modified or changed Structural engineer must be consulted WATCH truss videos below! Replace with common rafters CLICK HERE to Get Tim's FREE & FUNNY Newsletter! Mike, from Cleveland, Ohio, wrote to me: Tim, great reading your tips. I've got a question, I would like to convert Read More »
Many homeowners experience mold and mildew on their lumber as houses are built or room additions are constructed. The good news is the lumber is going to be fine and there's rarely any damage to the wood. If it's just surface mold or mildew, it will clean off.
A load bearing wall can be tough to identify. Determining load bearing walls and how best to go about removing a load bearing wall are among the most frequent questions I receive. Mechanical and electrical structures may be hiding behind those interior walls as well. How to determine if a wall is load bearing? The safest way to sleep at night is to hire a professional structural engineer.
Retaining Wall Repair Cost TIPS Consult with a structural engineer Engineer has honest contractor referrals Develop a repair plan DIY repair with inexpensive materials CLICK HERE to Get Tim's FREE & FUNNY Newsletter! DEAR TIM: The retaining wall at my older home is in sad shape. A contractor told me that if I don’t tear Read More »
Reinforce Concrete Block TIPS: Mortar is strong in compression - weak in tension Concrete block needs steel reinforcement Concrete block should be attached to concrete footer WATCH steel & concrete block video below CLICK HERE for Tim's FREE & FUNNY Newsletter DEAR TIM: I'm building a new home and two concrete block piers toppled over Read More »
Steel I beams can be used on residential construction. However a steel beam design might require special handling. Structural steel beams are heavier then wooden beams. Consider the cost of special cranes and steel beam prices when using steel beams.
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