Truss Identification

[nmk_61802]

I am looking to do some modifications to my garage's truss system. I am having trouble identifying the manufacturer's markings. Anyone familiar with the logo in the photo. I know that SPIB stands for the Southern Pine Inspection Bureau, and it appears 857 is there client number, but that looks to only point me to the mill in Texas (857 - West Fraser Wood Products Inc, Henderson, TX) that supplied the lumber.

I assume that these where made local to Central IL.

I believe that the Christmas Tree Looking thing is the makers mark, but cannot find any additional markings to help me. The closest I have found is:

http://www.andersontrusssouthernillinois.com/

Figured it was worth a shot posting here before I see if some local manufacturers will take the job. I already have what I want to do drawn up and just would like it reviewed prior to installing

 

[matt_i]

I think that's just a grade stamp from the lumber mill, nothing to do with the truss design, etc.

 

[jbwilkins]

That's just a grade stamp of the lumber.....

If you see a 'tag' attached to them that might have who manufactured them....Typically there's no markings......

 

[theoldwizard1]

I am looking to do some modifications to my garage's truss system.

There was a similar thread on this topic a few weeks/months ago. The short answer is, any modification will have to be approved by the manufacturer and they are not likely to approve any "field" modification that they do not do themselves.

If you make any changes without certification, 1) you will likely never get it approved by any inspection department and 2) you will be personally liable for any failure (insurance is void).

 

[nmk_61802]

There was a similar thread on this topic a few weeks/months ago. The short answer is, any modification will have to be approved by the manufacturer and they are not likely to approve any "field" modification that they do not do themselves.

If you make any changes without certification, 1) you will likely never get it approved by any inspection department and 2) you will be personally liable for any failure (insurance is void).

Sorry, but did you read my request? I am looking to ID the original manufaturer so that I can contact them regarding my proposed modifications.

That's just a grade stamp of the lumber.....

If you see a 'tag' attached to them that might have who manufactured them....Typically there's no markings......

Thanks, I knew everything but the logo I was questioning was denoting the lumber grade from the mill, what is throwing me is this stamp only occurs once on each truss. Logically if this was only the Grade stamp, I would assume each individually member the truss was comprised
of would carry that mark.

Without being able to ID the maker, I will probably have to go to an independent truss maker, or use a structural engineer to review my design.

 

[aabirdman]

How about checking with the city/county on the permit. The truss manufacture should be noted in the permits.

 

[kbs2244]

You are not going to get any info on modifying one of their trusses.
The liability consequences are way too high.

 

[brownbagg]

the tree is the wood mfg, like international paper or southern pine

 

[jbwilkins]

There was a similar thread on this topic a few weeks/months ago. The short answer is, any modification will have to be approved by the manufacturer and they are not likely to approve any "field" modification that they do not do themselves.



If you make any changes without certification, 1) you will likely never get it approved by any inspection department and 2) you will be personally liable for any failure (insurance is void).

If you can get an engineer to design something code will most likely sign off on it (as long as he puts his seal on it), but expect it to be WAY over engineered......the engineer would be assuming the liability....

 

[Kevin54]

I would check with your local lumberyard that would have most likely supplied the lumber to build the building and see what truss company they use. Then check with that truss company about making modifications to the existing trusses. Most trusses are based on the same design, or very similar to it. And it may be the case that if you show them a pic of the truss, if it is not theirs, then they may know whos truss it is.

Just out of curiosity, what modifications are you wanting to do? The truss company may have a simple solution to your problem.

 

[nmk_61802]

I would check with your local lumberyard that would have most likely supplied the lumber to build the building and see what truss company they use. Then check with that truss company about making modifications to the existing trusses. Most trusses are based on the same design, or very similar to it. And it may be the case that if you show them a pic of the truss, if it is not theirs, then they may know whos truss it is.

Just out of curiosity, what modifications are you wanting to do? The truss company may have a simple solution to your problem.

Since you asked, I will post my proposed modifications. As with others on the site, I am looking to add a storage lift and need a few extra inches in order to fit the cars I have planned.



I am always surprised at the safety police any time truss modifications are mentioned, as they are not exactly rocket science.

FWIW: I work for an Engineering Firm

 

[DekeT]

I am always surprised at the safety police any time truss modifications are mentioned, as they are not exactly rocket science.

FWIW: I work for an Engineering Firm

Posters advising caution is a way of caring for others. Why do you have a problem with that?

 

[ovilla]

The safest and possibly quickest way will be to order scissor truss halves and then sister them next to whichever trusses you need modified. I'd either nail or bolt them to the existing trusses and then remove anything below the newly installed scissor trusses that you no longer want. Just make sure the new scissor truss halves are made for your garage span and roof load.

Any truss company can crank them out pretty quick and cheaply too - probably just $200 or so per scissor truss halves set, and that should include everything needed to join two scissor truss halves in place. If you're worried about them being strong enough, remember that building codes mandate the MINIMUM code that is acceptable. Just request beefed up truss halves (made of 2X6 or 2X8 material) and you'll be fine. Most people freak out over DIY truss modifications (and rightly so) but you'll simply be replacing engineered trusses with another set of engineered trusses. You'll be doing it from inside your garage, one truss at a time - and won't be cutting anything until both new scissor truss halves are in place.