quick question - gable and truss

[billconner]

I want to put a gable vent in - for blowing in cellulose and code required access. Looking at framing I believe the vertical is not a part of the truss, but was added to support sheathing, like builder didn't think to order a more suitable gable truss. No splice plates, looks like it was used for forming slab. I think I'd replace with 2 - 2x4s on the flat like these, 12" left and right of center for a 24" x 30" hinged vent. Make sense?

 

[firebirdparts]

Agree.

 

[mike93lx]

It hits me as an oddly good cut for it's application, but I think I would have come to the same conclusion as you

 

[Hank11]

I'd box in the opening for the vent with 2x4s on edge. Maybe even let in the top section over the flat 2x4s all the way up.

 

[The Tool Tyrant]

You are correct. Back in my framing days (32 years worth), I would spec the gable vent size to the truss yard and they would frame out for it accordingly.
The left side OSB in your photo appears to be the rough side (always sheet roofs with the rough side up...unless you want to fall down and go boom!) and the right side the smooth side, so I would venture to say the sheets break on the center.

 

[The Cobbler]

that pc has been added , likely for a seam of the OSB or an minimum to stiffen it up. . it's not part of the structre of the gable truss . cut away

 

[billconner]

Thank you all. I think Hanks suggestion to frame opening with 2x4 on edge rather than flat makes sense. Some thought required to allow for cellulose loose fill wanting to be above "sill" of vent. Thinking a piece of foam and blow up to it.

 

[larry4406]

On our gables, we vertically "L" brace them.

There is a vertical 2x4 laid flat (3.5" dim) against the sheathing. Then another 2x4 perpendicular to the first and nailed against the edge of the first. We do this to stiffen the gable and take the wave out of large gables. With very large gables, we will then add a strong back across these L-braces to further stiffen and straighten.

I agree that it looks like the builder didn't order a gable end truss and added the vertical discolored piece to create a nailer. The lack of truss splice plates is a great clue to this.

 

[billconner]

On our gables, we vertically "L" brace them.

There is a vertical 2x4 laid flat (3.5" dim) against the sheathing. Then another 2x4 perpendicular to the first and nailed against the edge of the first. We do this to stiffen the gable and take the wave out of large gables. With very large gables, we will then add a strong back across these L-braces to further stiffen and straighten.

I agree that it looks like the builder didn't order a gable end truss and added the vertical discolored piece to create a nailer. The lack of truss splice plates is a great clue to this.

It's not 5' high at ridge, so not sure it needs that much bracing, and it's been there 20+ years. I think a pair of 2x4s on edge with a 24" rough opening between them will probably be stronger than existing and fine.

 

[CraigStu]

I think I'd buy the vent before doing any cutting. Details of how it is to be mounted may help decide if your 2x4s should be flat on the osb or on edge.

 

[billconner]

I think I'd buy the vent before doing any cutting. Details of how it is to be mounted may help decide if your 2x4s should be flat on the osb or on edge.

Plan to. Trying to get some basic info from them now. Looking at the 24 x 36 part way down.

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