Spliting of 2x6 joist
Spliting of 2x6 joist
(OP)
I have a contractor who is replacing a portion of our houses' sill plate due to dry rot of the existing joist. The floor joists are split in the center and some are not even nailed to the sill plate and they are completely missing the rim joists. Contractor stated not his problem. Can some one direct me to the the code in the California Residential Code or CBC that states wood should be free of cracking. While its obvious this is wrong, I want to throw a code at him and the city inspector. See attached picture. Thanks





RE: Spliting of 2x6 joist
As for the blocking or rim joist, whether it was there in the beginning or not is irrelevant. It needs to be installed for the lateral stability of the joist at the bearing point. I would be more worried about that than the cracking.
The joists also look like they are toe-nailed and end nailed to the plate. Toenails are normal, and the end nail ineffective structurally other than the alignment of the joist.
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
RE: Spliting of 2x6 joist
I agree but the contractor nailed the new floor joist to the existing rotted joist all the way down (length wise)so the cracking is continuous from end cap to end cap. My worry is that with this full length cracking any shear force will snap the joists in half. Wouldn't this reduce the total load bearing depth section of the joist since its cracking in the middle making it essentially 2x3 not 2x6. I don't think full length cracking is allowed by code but having trouble locating that section. Also, yes rim joist should have been installed and even the city inspector didn't catch this
RE: Spliting of 2x6 joist
I was surprised that the rotted portion of the joist end was not removed. I usually specify that any rotted portions of any wood members has to be removed. If this structurally compromises the member, then abandon the use of the member and either sister to it (rotted portion removed) or replace it.
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
RE: Spliting of 2x6 joist
You can throw a Code at the contractor, but that doesn't mean he has to do the work for free.
RE: Spliting of 2x6 joist
RE: Spliting of 2x6 joist
In fact the majority of lumber tends to crack at some point or another (not as consistently as concrete but consistent enough none the less). However if as mentioned the split is continuous along the same nail line, essentially cutting the full member in two lengthwise, then I would reject the work on a structurally deficient basis. It is the contractor's responsibility to provide a new joist that meets the structural requirements.
I would be using that argument as opposed to telling him it's a direct code violation.
RE: Spliting of 2x6 joist
RE: Spliting of 2x6 joist
Maybe someone has another idea
RE: Spliting of 2x6 joist
If he is a licensed contractor, has he posted a bond, as he should have, to lean against if the contract is not fulfilled?
Or is all of this a shake of the hand, verbal contract, with an unlicensed contractor?
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
RE: Spliting of 2x6 joist
The three issues are: Is the repair structurally adequate, does it met code, and is your contract being met. Decide what issue your willing to fight over.
RE: Spliting of 2x6 joist
RE: Spliting of 2x6 joist
RE: Spliting of 2x6 joist
I obviously do not know what your agreement with the contractor was. However, nothing in what you posted would in my opinion require him to add a rim board, or equivalent, free of charge. He may have a duty to tell you one is required, but unless the language in his scope of more clear than what you posted he is not mandated to do it for free. Just my opinion.
I don't do design work on unknown conditions for free either. It all comes down to what he could see beforehand, what he would reasonably be expected to notice, and what the contractual language is.
RE: Spliting of 2x6 joist
If the split is the issue add a joist or reinforce the spit end.
If removal of the rotten would is the issue, direct him to remove it.
If there are code issues, design the repair and pay the man for the change order.
Lawers are the last resort...
RE: Spliting of 2x6 joist
Your lawyer is going to tell you you have a case simply to charge you fees. Here is the best way to determine if you have a viable case: Ask the lawyer to take the case on a percentage of the award/value of the work performed. If they say yes, then they are telling you the truth about your "rock solid case that [they] can absolutely help you with".
Listen to the very good advice of multiple members above telling you to pay what is fair and resort to a lawyer only as an absolute last resort.