I teach carpentry and construction at a local/Seattle community college. Last night we were discusing framing and such and a student asked me if people use trex as a mudsill. I honestly couldn’t say with certainity as to why one couldn’t. Has anybody here crossed this bridge before?
BjR
Replies
Trex no.
Beer was created so carpenters wouldn't rule the world.
Edited 2/7/2007 1:25 am ET by IdahoDon
It can be said for certainty why not. Building materials are evaluated by national evaluation boards such as the ICC for adoption into model codes. When the model codes (such as the International Building Code) refer to specific applications for materials, they reference the evaluation board reports.
The ICC review for Trex states: "Trex shall not be used in framing applications, such as components of trusses, or as joists, rafters, studs, beams, columns or axially-loaded posts." http://www.trex.com/Universal/technical_info/ESR-1190.pdf
Sills are considered a framing application.
Jeff
Jeff, well stated. It's always good to read the fine print.
And there's the obvious price difference with the Trex costing more than standard PT.
I don't even think that the Trex's builders board comes wider than five and a half inches where lately it's not uncommon to see the occasional 2 x 8 mudsill (for a 2 x 6 exterior wall)
Very good thanks. That's what I was looking for. I'll copy it and give it to her.
BjR
Funny I have seen replacement sills for windows made out of a trex like material at Home depot.
Also googled (trex sill) and there was a product for sill plates that has slots cut in the bottom for continues ventilation for crawl spaces.
ANDYSZ2
WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?
REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST
Edited 2/7/2007 7:57 am by ANDYSZ2
Could you post a link? I couldn't find what you were talking about.
Thanks
BjR
http://www.freepatentsonline.com/6669554.html
apparently a new product coming out ... again, it will be subject to evaluation prior to being 'approved' for its use.
Jeff
Like you say, it would have to be tested and approved first. But it sure sounds like it would be a good alternative to that corrosive ACQ if it checks out OK. Trex is kinda limp and floppy, which makes it a bad idea for any spanning application, like joists or truss parts. But in simple lateral compression, it should have a chance. Let's hope it turns out to work.
-- J.S.