Internal Roof truss has split 😳

[Andy62]

We have been doing some investigations internally following a small leak after storm Bram and to our shock found a truss has split at the bottom where it goes into the stone wall of our house. We will have to contact a structural surveyer but what are my options? Is this going to cost the earth. The rest of the truss which goes up into the loft is solid and in perfect condition. I am worried there maybe others like this now but this does look like its been like it for years.

 

 

[Nickfromwales]

49 minutes ago, Andy62 said:

We have been doing some investigations internally following a small leak after storm Bram and to our shock found a truss has split at the bottom where it goes into the stone wall of our house. We will have to contact a structural surveyer but what are my options? Is this going to cost the earth. The rest of the truss which goes up into the loft is solid and in perfect condition. I am worried there maybe others like this now but this does look like its been like it for years.

 

 

That's prob been there longer than I've been alive, and will likely outlive me.

 

Take a measurement across the depth, and check in one years time.

[Andy62]

In all honesty it looks like it has always been like it. I wouldnt be surprised if it happened when it was installed decades ago and they have just put lath and plaster over it and left it. The reason I say it is because the wood is absolutely solid, no insect damage, no softness nothing! Its in perfect  condition. 

[Oz07]

Is it a truss or a rafter? Not to be pedantic but one is a lot easier repaired or replaced that the other. As it is probably be fine. How far from that horizontal ceiling to a purlin if that is a rafter?

[saveasteading]

That looks to have been exposed for a long time. Was the bit still there or long gone?

It looks to have been a " shake" in the timber which was never contributing much strength.

I see nail holes. Did you take something off?

The house isn't about to fall down but ask an SE for assurance by all means.

If you might be selling in the future then get a letter from the SE.

If it had to be strengthened ig would be easy but ugly so you'd then box around it.

[Andy62]

It had lime/lath and plaster over it. I wanted to check the beam as there has been a leak where it sits. Just wanted to check to see if it was wet so I removed only one side and found a crack in the truss. 

[saveasteading]

I had completely misread that photo. I've now got it on a big screen without reflections.

Forget what I've said and I will start again

The crack  is slightly concerning and may need repairing. So I suggest you ask an SE to advise. 

I think an over-plate of ply will do the trick but it needs to be seen in context and up close.

 

 

 

 

[Redbeard]

Talking of reading the photo, is that a notched 'plated' purlin bearing on that rafter/Truss? Or is it some sort of decorative 'trunking'?

[Andy62]

Its a purlin cladded in wood. It was here when I purchased the property. Perlins in above it are all oak so I am hoping this one is too. 

[Iceverge]

It's worth investing if there's a leak there. 

 

Is the rafter wobbly in any way? It might be worth propping it if it is.