Does anyone know about the requirements to provide a 1/2-inch air gap around all truss vertical bearing members placed within CMU wall to avoid deterioration?  I'm trying to obtain industry standards of 1998 & NY State BC and its reference standards.

Thanks in advance.

Best,
JJOO

It has been standard practice for a long time to provided a 1/2" air space around the sides, ends and tops of all wood members placed within concrete or masonry walls unless treated wood or wood with natural resistance to decay is used.

I don't know what the NY State BC requirements are, however there are several AITC publications that address this issue.

Thanks for your input, RARSWC!  

I know that Timber Construction Manual specifies this 1/2 inch min. clearance from the masonry or concrete at the bearing surface (Typical Construction Details).  My task is to find a quote from NYS BC in '98 that calls this issue, 'refer to AITC 104-84' or whatever in order to prove that the building that I am inspecting (built in '98) was not constructed properly.  Anyone from NY who is familiar with NY State Building Code, not the latest but the previous one which was effective back in 1998, please help!!!