Just wondering what the opinions are of the method used to frame the wall in the attached drawing. The wall is framed of 2×6 studding with the gable rafters being 4×12 and lagged into the beam. The beam is about 14 feet long and is carrying a cathedral ceiling. I understand how this could work if it is impossible for either rafter to push out. The 12/12 rafter is tied into the floor system, the 5/12 rafter to a wall about 6′ tall with no lateral support. The gable wall is sheathed with log siding on the exterior and will have 3/4 T&G on the inside. I guess I’m concerned with the single 2x6s on each side of the window carrying the weight of a cathedral ceiling, hopefully the log siding and the T&G will make things rigid enough so nothing can move, but I have my doubts. This is a wall in a house which I have been contracted to do the interior finish carpentry, so I guess it,s not really my concern but I would like to help the owner/builder avoid any problems down the road. TIA Jeff
Replies
That Structural Beam has to be supported by a Microlam Header above the window opening on that side and if there's another opening on the other side you have to do the same. That beam has to be supported on both ends.
What does it say on the plans?
Every job that I do with your situation it's specked out what size it is on the plans and it's always been a microlam. All the other stuff you described means nothing without supporting underneath that beam on both ends.
Joe, thanks for the reply. I understand your point about supporting the beam. The plans furnished by the home company show no detail when it comes to structural matters, just floor plan and elevation (whole other story). My question would be: if the bottom of the rafters cannot move out, and the beam is tied into the rafters sufficiently, how can the ridge move down? Also, the 4x12 gable rafters are supported to within a few feet of the ridge beam by the gable studding, so I think there is a cantilever effect to some extent with the pivot points at the studs beside the windows. The other end of the ridge beam is supported by a 6x6 post, so there's no issue there. Just to be clear, I don't like the way it is framed, but before I open my mouth and criticize someone else's work, I would like to make sure I'm not totally off base. My main area of concern would be the wall at the bottom of the 5/12 rafter pushing out, thus allowing the ridge to move down, and the single 2x6 studs at the sides of the windows being inadequate to carry the weight, although the siding and T&G would stiffen them considerably. Thanks, Jeff
It is all pretty iffy, but I would stay out of it excapt maybe to comment thjat it is unique and to ask if it was approved by an engineere or inspector before covering it up.
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Is this job under any kind of building inspection jurisdiction? If so, let the inspector deal with it.
Has the owner/builder asked you to comment on the adequacy of the structure? If he has, why don't you tell him about Breaktime, and ask him to inquire to us, directly?
Don't be a go-between.
But if he isn't asking, my advice is to cover it up with your trim work, and get your check.
Thanks everyone for the responses. My opinion coincides with Piffin's and the most I would do is make a comment similar to what he said. However, I was also looking to learn something as this method was one I had not seen before, but I can see how it could work, but also how it could fail because of the points I asked about previously. Any further comments would be appreciated.Gene, According to the owner builder there is no framing, and very few other, inspections required. No, I was not asked to comment specifically on the adequacy of the structure nor do I feel qualified to do so, thus this thread. I have on occasion though benefited from the advice of others, some of it unsolicited. If there is no problem with the way the wall is framed, I don't want him to waste his time inquiring about a concern with no merit. Unfortunately I once lived in a house where they covered it up with the trim work and then got their check. Thanks again, Jeffb