Some kind of cable. We really don’t know why.
UPDATE-Truss Uplift
+17
We have found the source of our whole house shifting. It is Truss Uplift causing our structural issues. Our trusses were are attached by 3 screw gate hinges. I know I know, you read that right! Upon further inspection, it was discovered that the trusses themselves are not attached to the top plate, no bracing, no cross bracing and no nail plates. Causing a ripple effect down through all three floors!
Pics are a bit rough when I was taking them precariously perched on my roof. I’ll get more as we discover more!
Cant wait! Ha!!
Can you see they routed, pretty deep too, the area for the gate hinge for who knows what kind of modification.
Oh goodness! I'm glad to hear you found the source though.
Oh, I am so sorry for you problem! That sounds like a major structural problem, but it may be easier to fix, now that you have found the actual problem. Good luck, and keep us informed on how it goes, and what else you find!
Simpson Strong-Tie makes engineered fasteners for wood framing members and is the leading supplier for wood construction (residential and commercial). The yahoo that installed the trusses was using scrap material to get the job done. The building inspector should have been fired for missing this.
If this is an indication of how the house was built, I'm sorry to say the whole house framing system is suspect and should be inspected by a licensed structural engineer, or at least an Architect with a good understanding of structural engineering. All of the framing systems (foundation to floors, floor joist size, floors to walls, wall entities such as headers and shear wall systems, walls to trusses, truss bracing components, truss blocking, ect...) need to be exposed for a proper inspection.
Note, every truss mfr provides the installer with installation instructions. The trusses are usually marked with the mfr's name. Get a copy.
Oh My G.... what in the world!! Glad you found the source of the problem. Keep us posted on how you fixed the trusses.
What are the symptoms of truss uplift?
Oh, my! It is a wonder you still have a roof over your heads! Keep us posted, good luck!
I used to be a homeowners insurance adjuster and would highly recommend Vannoy & Associates, I love Donald Vannoy, based out of Silver Spring, Md 1-800-593-7001. They can do forensic engineering and explain in understandable terms how to fix the problem, document the problem and testify in court if you want to go after the yahoo who built your house. They will be worth every penny they charge as you have a very serious issue you are dealing with and you need it fixed correctly As soon as possible. Good luck!
No I am sorry I do not think this would be covered by insurance due to exclusions in the policy language but it could be worth reporting as they may cover the cost of the engineer to confirm it is excluded by the policy. Based on your pictures the insurance adjuster may make the denial based on their own inspection and knowledge and not feel an engineer is warranted so please don’t get your hopes up. You will need an engineer to make recommendations on how this can be fixed. The attorney would be able to tell you if you have any recourse against the person you bought the home from or anyone else.
Hi hope, did u end up hiring the forensic structural engineer don vannoy ? How was your experience ? Is your issue fixed ?