Large Vaulted Roof Sliding Off Supports 5

[cap4000]

I made an inspection of a residence with a newly constructed vaulted roof. The architect has been fired so I am trying to fix the roof which may have to demolished. Essentially its 16 feet high down to 9 feet, 50 long and 30 feet wide. The roof is sliding off its supports at this point and the nails are withdrawing from the ridge beam. I have an idea with a reinforced concrete structure at the low end but I want to be held harmless first. Any tips will be greatly appreciated.

 

[msquared48]

Chances are, with the ridge beam problem, that recent snows on the roof have "demonstrated" a problem to exist. The question is, how much.

I would re-itterate my suggestion of immediate shoring of the ridge beam, in addition to housing the family in another location until the problem is solved. There are community shelters for this type of situation. If they have homeowners insurance, they need to use it for temporary housing assiostance at the least.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
Motto: KISS
Motivation: Don't ask

 

[dik]

I would be looking at putting up some temporary scaffolding to support the roof joists on either side of the ridge beam and determining what is holding the roof joists to the ridge beam. If insufficient anchorage, they could slide off, causing a collapse of the roof. Once the roof is stabilised, I'd then look at the strength of the ridge beam and the roof joists, now that they have been secured and the likelihood of collapse has been reduced.

After that, it's time to look after the paperwork and finding out who created the mess.

Dik

 

[Ron]

Agree with Mike's comments. This is one that can't wait. Make sure appropriate warnings are given by you in writing. Make sure the local building official, not an inspector, is notified and takes action. Don't delay in an unsafe condition.

 

[ron9876]

Act now. Notify the building official, your client and the residents.