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To Beam or not to Beam

To Beam or not to Beam

To Beam or not to Beam

(OP)
I am working on a project that includes some rather large wood framed trusses. The trusses are not structural, but 100% decorative. My contract states that I don't deal with architectural finish items, yet I can see a look of terror on the Architects face when the thought crosses his mind that he will have to detail them.

I don't want to work for free, but on the same hand, if it is my responsibility I want to address it. One side of me says these things are just overgrown trim. The other side of me can see a couple of sheet rock guys on a scaffold trying to hang a 600 lb truss with a nail gun and a sawz-all at which point I want to address the issue now, before it gets to that point.

Any advice would be great.

RE: To Beam or not to Beam

If they weigh 600 lb, they are structural.
They have to support their own weight, after all.
... plus a couple of sheetrockers, who will certainly use the trusses to support their scaffolding.
... plus a couple of nailguns and maybe a small compressor on the scaffolding.

Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

RE: To Beam or not to Beam

I thought of a related problem.
If the trusses don't _look_ flimsy, then in a couple of years you will find ceiling fans and such hung from them. ... and inevitably, some rigger is going to throw a strap over a chord and try to lift a piano, or a machine tool, or something else that's really heavy. ... and your phone will ring...

Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

RE: To Beam or not to Beam

Is it your responsibility to design the supports for them? As for the truss, if its out of your scope, write a change order.
DONE

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