small checks or splits in 2x lumber

[planitarch]

Greetings,

Are there reference standards governing allowable checks or splits in 2x construction lumber?

The reason I ask is: very often, I'll be walking through a house under construction, and the Owner, perhaps looking to find fault with a Contractor, will question small checks or splits at the end of a 2x4. Experience tells me it's ok, lumber is a natural material and I don't expect machine tolerances. If there was a major crack I'd have no reservations about having writing up a report rejecting the work! I also know the code tolerances for cutting, notching and drilling of joists. But for these small checks or splits I need some support material to pacify concerned Owners.

 

[woodman88]

The lumber grading rules allows for certain size checks, splits and shakes for each grade. The WWPA Western Lumber Grading Rules is the one I use for the west coast. The last one I got costed $8. They may have some free information on-line go to

http://www.wwpa.org

for it.

Garth Dreger PE - AZ Phoenix area
As EOR's we should take the responsibility to design our structures to support the components we allow in our design per that industry standards.

 

[msquared48]

Mine is from 1984 and cost $2 at the time. Got it for free at a used book store.

If you are not on the west coast, you might contact the AITC to get the specs for your area, but I would expect no significant difference in the imperfection definitions or restrictions.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

 

[MiketheEngineer]

SPIB for southern pine

 

[RHTPE]

NELMA for the Northeastern US:
Northeast Lumber Manufacturers Association
PO Box 87A
Cumberland Center, ME 04021

NLGA in Canada.
National Lumber Grades Authority
960 Quayside Drive
New Westminster BC Canada V3M 6G2

If the checks/splits existed BEFORE the members were used as framing, they are probably acceptable. However, if the splits are a result of an over-enthusiastic framing carpenter, then I'd be concerned about workmanship issues.


Ralph
Structures Consulting
Northeast USA