When a roof is being replaced, the contractors may discover that some of the wooden trusses are split, cracked or otherwise damaged. In other situations, the homeowner or an insulation installer may detect the problems while accessing the attic space. Homeowners can work with a reputable Houston roofing service to determine the underlying cause of the issue and work to prevent it from recurring.
There are many reasons why wooden trusses may develop damage. These include inadequate intake ventilation, insufficient attic exhaust, water leaks and insect or vermin infestation. Less common causes of truss damage include condensation or the use of exterior roofing materials that are too heavy for the roof's support structure.
When working on the wooden parts of a roof, the project should be done on a dry day with a 30 to 50 percent humidity level to ensure the wood doesn't swell or warp.
The first step of truss repair is to determine the location and extent of the broken wood. A small split requires a different repair method than a loose bracket or warping situation. The connector plates or the fasteners may also have worn out, leaving collateral damage in the wood.
Roofers from Houston Restoration Services of Houston TX would be happy to answer any question you have about commercial roofing or storm damage.
For a small split or crack in the meat of the wooden truss, a wood adhesive or wood glue can be used to fill and fix the area. The spot should be clamped for at least 24 hours so the repaired area can dry and set in place. A wood scab or gusset may need to be added for medium sized splits or cracks. Scabs or gussets should be affixed to trusses using self tapping nails, screws or anchor bolts.
If the connector plate has been damaged, the old piece should be removed. Use wood glue to fill the holes and allow the glue to set for one to two days. Next, a wood scab should be nailed to the glued area, taking care not to nail the wood through the filled holes. A new connector plate can then be attached, using an eighth of an inch offset to make sure that mostly new wood is gripping the fastener.
If a fairly deep or wide split or crack has occurred in the truss, but the wood has not split all the way through, two gussets should be placed on the wood, one on either side of the split. The nails should be driven through the new upper gusset, the wooden truss and the back gusset. The same technique should be used on the back side of the gusset.
