Building Homes or Extensions/reverse birds mouth truss

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Expert: - 9/3/2009


Question
we are constructing horse barn. my son says there is a reverse bird mouth cut that is very load bearing possibly for low pitch gambrel roof.

Answer

bird's mouth examples
Hi barbara, I know what your son is talking about but I always call it a bird's mouth whether it is inside or outside of a wall.  At one time this made a difference but with the hurricane and tie down clips available today it really doesn't matter what type of bird's mouth you use.  There are rafter clips available where you don't even need to cut a bird's mouth in the rafter.  I will give you a couple of examples in an attached drawing but I suggest that you go to simpson and check out their strong ties if you need added uplift or lateral load attachments.
www.strongtie.com.. I think simpson also has clips made specially for Gambrel roofs.
 I hope this information helps please feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com

Bruce E. Johnson

Expertise

I can answer any construction related question in regards to carpentry, concrete, drywall, masonry, structural elements of any type of building, residential or commercial. Interior or exterior.

Experience

Custom Commercial and residential buildings. Churches, theaters, schools and auditoriums. Most recently I am working with the Catholic Church on several design build committees. I have a website related to scheduling and project supervision. Although my expertise is more related to multimillion dollar commercial, educational and theatrical projects my generous credentials in residential and remodelling construction make me a viable source of information regarding all forms of building questions.

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