In short: A frame can look finished and still have load going through nails rather than timber. On Pakenham frames that is the item we flag most.
The garage beam
The beam over a double garage opening carries a big share of the roof. On a Pakenham frame the support point under it was not bearing properly on the bottom plate, so load was passing through fixings and a small contact area. We reported it as a major item for the builder and engineer to resolve before lining.
Jamb studs on skew nails
On the same frame, jamb studs beside openings were sitting off the plate and relying on skew nails. Jamb studs carry the lintel above a window or door, so they need to sit on the plate and be laminated tightly together.
Roof bracing
On another Pakenham frame the metal roof brace had been spliced without being bent over the top chord and nailed, which is how the brace keeps its strength across a join. We have also recorded plywood bracing bulging off the studs and plate joints bunched together.
Why frame stage
Each of these is quick to fix with the frame open and expensive to reach once plaster is up. Book a frame inspection for your Cardinia Shire build once the trusses are on, and send the engineering with the booking.
Written by our local inspection team from work carried out in Pakenham. Licensed building practitioners, Building & Plumbing Commission registration CDB-U 53425.
