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Don’t Forget! You Saw it in the
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August 2025 #17313 Page #33
What are Your Options to Address Member-to-Member Gaps? By Glenn Traylor
recent phone call has prompted me to address the issue of fixing gaps. There are some misunderstandings about what qualifies as a member-to-member gap, and the options to fix them are not always clear either.
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ANSI/TPI 1 recommends that members in a truss to touch each other when possible. The tight contact helps transfer loads from one member to another without depending on the connector plate to translate the load through the truss and ultimately to the bearing. Sometimes, member-to-member gaps happen. Sometimes, it’s a mis-cut. Sometimes, it’s the pressing operations. Often, it is the degree of variation of web and chord members, because wood is a natural product and can vary due to properties and the manufacturing process. The standard allows for repairs per 3.7.6.3 Correction Procedure by inserting a metal shim. The standard states: “Corrections procedures for joints with gaps exceeding these tolerances shall require shimming, unless otherwise specified by the Truss Designer. Shims shall be of galvanized metal, or alternatives approved by a truss designer, to obtain firm bearing between members…”
Using a Metal Shim vs. Rebuilding the Component The shim has specific requirements, as follows: 1. Must be metal 2. Must be coated to reduce rust potential. 3. Must be secured in place with a specific nail size or an approved fastener. 4. Must be at least ¾” wide. 5. Must have a folding tab that allows the shim to be secured or an approved alternate method of securing the shim as specified by the truss designer. By now, if you’re a normal, competent truss manufacturer you might be asking, “why on earth would I not just pull the truss apart and fix the problem?” Well, this aspect might need some discussion.
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