What wood grade used in Cape Cod, MA in 1955?
What wood grade used in Cape Cod, MA in 1955?
(OP)
I am working on an evaluation and renovation of a wood framed hotel in Cape Cod, Massachusets that was built in 1955. It has prefab wood trusses (like metal plate, but with plywood plates), 2x12 floor framing, and 2x4/2x6 walls with plywood sheathing. The owner sent me lots of pictures showing the trusses, roof sheathing, floor framing, wall studs and sheathing, etc... In none of the pictures can I see any grade stamps. I don't know if it was common place to stamp lumber back then. I am going up there later this week to inspect it in person, but I would like to get a feel for what to expect before I arrive.
Does anyone know what was the common type and grade of wood dimensional lumber used back in 1955 in Cape Cod?
Thanks
Does anyone know what was the common type and grade of wood dimensional lumber used back in 1955 in Cape Cod?
Thanks






RE: What wood grade used in Cape Cod, MA in 1955?
RE: What wood grade used in Cape Cod, MA in 1955?
RE: What wood grade used in Cape Cod, MA in 1955?
Just one other thing you can do if you are not comfortable with what is out in the field.
FYI this particular building was in Massachusetts and built using WCH (west coast hemlock). Therefore in the 60's the wood could have come from anywhere (not necessarily Canada). I'm not sure if the same holds true for the 50's
Sorry I have no other information for you.
RE: What wood grade used in Cape Cod, MA in 1955?
RE: What wood grade used in Cape Cod, MA in 1955?
In those days, D. Fir was considered stronger than S.P.F. but that has changed in recent years. It should not be too hard to distinguish D. Fir from S.P.F. if you have an opportunity to inspect the material. Fir is a much denser material.
BA
RE: What wood grade used in Cape Cod, MA in 1955?
I attached a picture. Not much to go on, but maybe someone can tell from it.
Thanks.
RE: What wood grade used in Cape Cod, MA in 1955?
RE: What wood grade used in Cape Cod, MA in 1955?
BA
RE: What wood grade used in Cape Cod, MA in 1955?
RE: What wood grade used in Cape Cod, MA in 1955?
so, we are removing the wall 6 feet from the ends, removing the posts, and replacing the posts with a new 2x load bearing wall. so now the trusses will be forces to bear at each end. Given what I know of them, and the loading by today's code, I can just get them to work for gravity loads if i assume #1 or SS doug fir. Anything less, and its no good.
Of course, the tension members are only 1x8's, so they fail in wind uplift (120 mph zone). So I am already going to have to beef them up as it is. But as usual, cost is a major factor, so I don't want to do anything unneccessarily. I know the owner will have a fit when I tell him to get the wood tested. He didn't even want to get a geotech report for the new foundations. I had to show him in the existing building code where it said it was required BY CODE, not just by the good recommendation of his hired design professional!
Thanks for your help.
RE: What wood grade used in Cape Cod, MA in 1955?
You might want to call the NELMA, they may be able to help you solve your problem.