a style of architecture exemplifying the commonest techniques, decorative features, and materials of a particular historical period, region, or group of people.
When we purchased this house I had the vision of finishing the attic as a decent space. This included moving the air handler from the middle of the attic to a more accessible location. Air handlers in attics in this area are suspended from the trusses, which I do not like. But this is how it is done, by code, with the drain running to the outside, as well as an overflow pan with cut off float switch hanging underneath.
The previous one was hung by chains, this new one has eye hooks and threaded rod. Then there is the ductwork. Since then we decided to leave as is, more of extra storage, we have a few boxes in one corner as there was plywood already there.
But...can somebody please tell me if what you are seeing here would be a normal, safe design of the period to begin with? I sometimes wonder what is holding this house together, but as my neighbor pointed out, it has probably seen a lot of hurricanes and is still standing.
- Truss1.jpg (195.83 KiB) Viewed 1082 times
If you notice, every other truss has either a 1 x 4 tying together, followed by 1 x 4 going from truss to ceiling joist, and of course no hurricane ties. The 1 x 4 is exactly that, as was done back in the day. The chip plywood you see on the far end, is at both ends, and was probably added with the AC to help insulate, as it is up against the exterior siding.
Although all appears straight from the outside, no sagging, I am considering adding supports with ties, going from joist to truss, similar to diagram I have included, but I will wait for cooler weather.
