Amazing what YOU could find by searching on "hype", followed by either "mold" or asbestos"
http://www.fumento.com/asbest.html
http://www.mtdemocrat.com/news/asbestos042899.shtml
http://www.rivkin.com/200203eagle.html
http://www.estrategist.com/newsletter/123102.html...
GluLams can be selected from a load table. You might want to ask them if there is a benefit to chosing the next larger, you might want to have him double check that all loads were on the high side, and you might ask him if he would specify something else if cost wasn't a consideration.
Loads...
My first instinct is a SawzAll. Shore up the area as needed, cut all the nails, and remove the damaged joist.
Install a new joist.
Might be overkill or not possible.
"Expansion jointing material", is that the same as "caulk backing", "backer rod", etc.?
Is there room to apply a caulking, or would the expansion joint need to be cleaned out, backer rod installed, and then proceed with caulking?
Why is the vendor not being advised of the need to section the truss?
If the vendor is expected to provide remedy for truss failure, they won't like the surprise of "Oh, we cut them in half for transport".
Be honest with the poor guy. Tell him upfront that the truss needs to be...
Seems "Header Block" is a class of it's own, separate from the other styles of block, at least according to this site:
http://www.fizzano.com/specs20.html
http://www.infodotinc.com/engbas/7-22.htm
Here are some additional images, none show a header block...
Personally, I think the suggestion comes from people who are unsure of the concept.
Sump pumps are in sumps because thats the lowest point in the floor. If making the floor porous would eliminate the water, you wouldn't need a pump.
The pump exists to export the water away from the building...
Actually, notching the top is the correct way to do it.
Here are typical code guidelines for notching:
Never in the center third of the span.
Only in the outer third of the span.
No more than 1/6 depth of joist.
Holes need to be 2" from either edge of joist, the diameter no more than 1/3...
I think you need to edit your post to clarify the relationships.
Start at one extreme of the structure (the top?) and describe the progression of elements to the basement.
If you approach this as terracing, not as a monolithic 'retaining wall', it becomes a bit easier.
If you propose to break the elevation into 3-4 foot walls, each higher level set back 6-8 feet, you might find the audience a bit more receptive.
If you are attempting to gain more area at the...
Get access to the local building code book. When you say "codebook", think "cookbook".
Nothing wrong with being able to run the calculations, but the fact remains that life is easier if the construction techniques are found in the codebook. For the inspectors involved, the...
2x6 in what wood? Turn-of-the-century oak is stiffer than today's "big box" lumber. I assume 'true' 2x6, not nominal.
I suspect there is a (load-bearing) wall or two below the attic, if so that's good, if not, that is a mark against your proposal.
What do you plan for walls? Most...
We would be better off having study of the various code books.
There will always be someone who asks why a wire that's twice the diameter is allowed to carry more than twice the amperage.
Or why a beam half as long is allowed to carry more than twice the load.
If the questions lead to physics...
I think there is a distinct difference between wooden x-bracing and welded x-bracing.
A nail cannot compare to a weld. In tension, screws are (easily) twice as strong as nails.
