That does not look like a rafter, can you take some pictures from different angles so we can see what you a looking at.
That does not look like a rafter, can you take some pictures from different angles so we can see what you a looking at.Hey everyone,
Hoping to get a professional opinion. Yesterday we noticed a crack in one of the rafters. What I would like to know, is if this will cause serious damage and needs to be fixed immediately? Will sistering the rafter be sufficient, or at least until I can get a professional out to repair it? What can I do to repair it and prevent it from splitting any further?
Not sure what caused it originally, but it might just be age. In California. Thanks in advance for your help.
Picture for reference:
![]()
Lower grade lumber with knots on the edge the other one has one too with a crack starting.That is a pretty darn good sized crack.
More pictures would help. :smile:Looks perhaps More like fascia than rafter. Who males rafters out of 3/4 (as it looks to me)?
Sorry, does look like 2x on second viewing. Wonder what is above that to cause the failure?
As far as I know it's just the roof on top. We don't get snow loading, so that isn't it. There is a window offset about 6" to a 1'. It might get some loading from that weight.Sorry, does look like 2x on second viewing. Wonder what is above that to cause the failure?
Is this the right side up?As far as I know it's just the roof on top. We don't get snow loading, so that isn't it. There is a window offset about 6" to a 1'. It might get some loading from that weight.
Here are the farthest out pictures I have (attached, and unfortunately rotated 90* counterclockwise). They are from either direction of the crack.Is this the right side up?
It appears to have the weight of the wall, the roof and the skylight from above all on this, Rafter? Joist? Beam?
I am not an engineer but that should have been at least 2 or maybe 3 ply to carry the load.
Do you know why the 2x4s were added ?
Can you tell us what this building is?
Can you measure the length of that timber?
Is this an attic space or?
maybe a picture from a distance outside so we can get a good view of what we are looking at.
The 2x4s are there to hold the top of that lower divider wall stiff.Here are the farthest out pictures I have (attached, and unfortunately rotated 90* counterclockwise). They are from either direction of the crack.
To answer your questions:
- Do you know why the 2x4s were added? No
- Can you tell us what this building is? It is a bakery/factory.
- Can you measure the length of that timber? Not readily, as it's high up. I would guesstimate ~20'
- Is this an attic space or? It is not used for anything. It's just the roof/skylight.
Can you go into more detail on this: "I think an LVL of the same height should be put beside the cracked one."The 2x4s are there to hold the top of that lower divider wall stiff.
I would think that whatever size the cracked one is it is over spanned. And should have been at least doubled. I think an LVL of the same height should be put beside the cracked one.
It is serious and not something you want to leave for the next big wind or anything.
LVL is beam that looks a little like plywood with layers. They are 1 3/4" thick and come in heights that match lumber measurements.Can you go into more detail on this: "I think an LVL of the same height should be put beside the cracked one."
What is an LVL?
We're definitely going to get it fixed ASAP, just need to know what we're in for and what ROM cost we should be expecting.