Screened Porch Construction 1

[CTW]

My neighbor is having a screened porch added to his house. I found the construction method used by the contractor to be quite different than what I would specify. It appears that the posts (4x4's which look to be about 36" c/c) are toe nailed to the deck. There is a 2x10 placed vertically on the top end of the post and toe nailed. I've never run any calcs for this situation, but I have a hard time believing that it would meet code. To me, the 2x10 would have a tendancy to bend laterally under significant wind. Granted there are joists for the ceiling framing that are nailed perpendicular to the 2x10 and rafters to help stiffen the structure, but I wouldn't think the toe nails would be sufficient for this type of structure. Has anyone ever run calcs for a situation like this or have any experience with this method of construction?

 

[JAE]

This does sound real shakey - perhaps a meeting with the contractor to discuss...or you could also have your neighbor call the local building inspector to take a look at it.

 

[blackwed]

Sounds like the 2x's will want to fall over, too. I mean toe nailing into the end grain of a 4x isn't going to keep the 2x standing on edge under any appreciable lateral loading from wind on the roof. The term "house of cards" comes to mind.

DB

deja moo: I've heard that BS before.