About a year ago an inspector recommended we reinforce the thingy that is in the picture below. Apparently it flexes toward the camera when someone stands in the attic. It looks like some kind of free-standing truss to me.

http://picobot.org/attic.jpg

Alas I was not able to attend the inspection, and my wife went instead and she does not remember how the inspector told her to reinforce it (she did say he said it was "pretty easy"). It was not an imminent fix, but recommended that no heavy items be stored in the attic until the work is done. A friend of mine recommends attaching a 2x4 to the truss and then to the rafter, but that sounds pretty scary to me (especially as the coils for the heat-pump are just to the left).

So any clues on what the correct name for that framing is, what its purpose is, and any hints to stop it flexing? If I need to get a framer in I'll do that too.

Recommendations? And thanks in advance!

Dewi,

I can't see enough from the picture. I am assuming that this was built to help support a weakened truss? If so adding an extra support to both sides the truus the entire span of the truss will do the trick. Post more Pics!

lostdog

Thanks for the comments. More pics:

The span covers the garage so it might. I'm not sure. Here is a side view of the truss

http://www.picobot.org/attic_back2.jpg

Note the supporting angled 2x4 was added by me this weekend to keep it rigid, as a temporary measure. The other end is screwed into the side of a joist. I'm not at all sure if this is a good setup - I've seen enough episodes of House Detective to make me extremely nervous when doing anything in the attic From this shot when you are in the attic, without the supporting 2x4 the whole triangle flexes from left to right (in the view of that picture).

http://www.picobot.org/attic_back3.jpg

Here is close-up of how the triangle (truss?) interacts with the main beam that seems to run the length of the garage.

And an angled shot:

http://www.picobot.org/attic_back1.jpg

The original inspector did not find anything wrong with this setup other than the truss moved when people walked around in the attic and he did not seem happy about that.

Dewi,

I looked at your pics and I just cant give you the answer you need without seeing it. I have 25 years in construction and could never tell you hey just do this wihtout surveying the situation. Find a good framer in your area. I would ask around. Hope this helps.

No worries, lostdog ... at least you tried! For what it's worth I talked with a few hired help over on a building site. Alas the main framer guy was not there. However they called this thing a "strongback" and it is used to stiffen and give strength to a span which would otherwise require a pillar. Very common in slab homes over two car garages down here, which is what my house is.

The recommended framing both sides of the truss (instead of one side) to stop it flexing. On another note they did not see any problem with it flexing at all, but my home inspector did not like it very much, and, as I am selling this home, I'm guessing the future buyers would not either.

I'm strongly considering a sellers inspection. Are these about the same cost as the Buyers (~$300-$400) in this area (North Alabama). Can one use the fact to market the home better (would that infringe on copyright?)

Dewi,

Seller’s inspections are used specifically for that purpose. Be aware that the potential; buyer may still want to have their own inspection. Seller inspections are rare. Most of the time sellers with older homes have this done to try and take care of problems as to not slow down the sale of the home. Good luck and yes I should have know that was a strongback!