How can I address the structural integrity concerns with extending 2x6s and supporting the edges beyond the truss in my subfloor repair project?
Asked by Leona Hoffman 
4 months ago
Last Updated: June 3, 2024
So, I was talking to this contractor about fixing it. He suggested adding two longer 2×6’s to sit on the strongbacks and connect to the subfloor. But then another contractor mentioned cutting more subfloor around the truss. Didn’t really have a clear plan for supporting the edges though. What do you think would be the best way to ensure the structure stays solid?
‘t stress over the size of the hole, it’s not a big deal structurally. You can either cut open the floor until you have part of the floor joist exposed, or if there’s enough space underneath, take a 2×6 on each side, use structural screws to secure them under the hole, then cut a piece to fit and screw it to the 2×6. Super simple!
I was initially leaning towards agreeing with the first C/home inspector, but then I started to doubt myself today after the second company mentioned that the 2×6 under it wasn’t the right way to go. I have the subfloor piece that can fill the hole, so I’m thinking I can slide in a 2×6, run it to rest on the strongback and the other, screw it in, then put the subfloor piece back and secure it in place.
Just make sure you don’t drive the screws too far into the subfloor, that’s all you need to do.
Awesome, thanks !
Just a quick note: Joists are used for the floor, while trusses are used for the roof. There are engineered floor joists that are sometimes called engineered floor trusses, but in this scenario, you have standard floor joists like 2×10 or 2×12.
These are definitely engineered floor truss/joists. I totally blanked on the term “joist” earlier. The view seems a bit strange with the OSB board attached to the side. They were pre-made and brought to the build site.
Yeah, I spotted the osb there when I zoomed in.
I always seem to forget the names of building materials when I actually need them. For some reason, joists and trusses always slip my mind! It’s pretty funny.
For real.
Yes, but there are many floors designed with parallel chord trusses.
You know, I was thinking you could cut all the way up under the baseboard and then cut a piece of subfloor that size, but since you still have that cut piece, Roy’s suggestion is probably the easiest and best option. That’s the third picture with the green drawings.
Thank you so much, ! You’re awesome!
Is it permissible by code to use concealed Ferncos in your area?
I’m not quite sure, I checked the UBTC but couldn’t find any mention of fernco. So to be honest, I’m not sure.
I can definitely see the book being mentioned sometimes. In this situation, it’s not really a big deal if the building is high-quality.
Honestly, the builder is starting to seem pretty shady. It’s been 8 months since the leak was discovered and the builder doesn’t want to fix it. I’m trying to solve it myself.
Participant: Well, that’s a bummer. It might be a good idea to try and learn as much as possible to stay on top of things.