ᐅ Gap between common rafters and principal rafters

Created on: 9 Nov 2021 12:07
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Matti74
Hello,

before I possibly contact the house building company, I would like to get your independent advice.

So, in 2017 – four years ago – I built a bungalow with a hipped roof. During the final inspection in the presence of a certified expert (TÜV), no visible defects were found. Now, after four years, I have noticed a clear gap between the rafters and collar beams, which apparently developed over time (otherwise it likely would have been noticed during the final inspection).

My question is: is this normal, or does it require action? Does it have to be fixed by a roofer? And if it needs to be fixed, could this possibly be a defect for which the building company is responsible (to my knowledge, the warranty period is five years from the final inspection)?

I would appreciate any assessment.

Regards,
Matti74


Attic with wooden beam roof structure, slanting braces; orange OBI boxes on the left, blue tarp on the right.



Wooden beams in the roof structure, view from below on wooden roof construction



Close-up of a yellow measuring tape across two wooden boards.



Two wooden boards with a gap; measuring tape showing the width of the gap, nail protruding.
11ant9 Nov 2021 15:21
tomtom79 schrieb:

Also, what kind of roof is this, considering the angle of the rafters to the ridge beam?
No, it’s not a ridge purlin, but a hip beam, so probably a hip roof.
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borderpuschl
10 Nov 2021 09:22
There are several ways to anchor the beams (dovetail joints, joist hangers, tenons, washer head screws). However, two nails alone cannot resist the movement of the wood. Did the expert have no objections in this case?
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hanghaus2000
10 Nov 2021 09:57
If the 2 nails are supposed to hold the beam? And with a 2cm (0.8 inch) gap between them? Very questionable.

What does the structural engineer say about the execution of the rafter connections?

If this isn’t a visible roof frame, then it can be repaired easily.
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Myrna_Loy
10 Nov 2021 10:01
And my two cents on the cause: It looks like the "beam" was made from wood that either grew with a twist or wasn’t cut perfectly straight. Wood like that can warp and twist as it dries. This is a normal process. A carpenter should be able to fix that easily without much effort.

I am also surprised by this, uh, minimalist method of connection using only two nails.