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Figure 1. The PT mudsill in this photo was manufactured around 2004. The rusted anchor rod and nut securing this tie-down bracket was eight years old when this photo was taken in 2012. Now it is . . . much older. How effective will it be when an earthquake presses it into service?
Photo courtesy of Paul Rude, Golden Gate Chapter, American Society of Home Inspectors.
Most preservative-pressure-treated lumber, or “PT lumber,” produced since 2004 contains chemicals that aggressively attack steel connectors, bolts, and nails. This PDF explains how to avoid damage as shown in Figure 1.
Click this link to download Corrosion of Steel Hardware Caused by Pressure-Treated Lumber. This is an excerpt for the book, “Earthquake Strengthening for Vulnerable Homes,” which you can purchase from our Buy BOOKS & PDFs page in the menu above.
Figure 2. “Chimney of Death”
Why should you be scared of the chimney shown in Figure 2? Or most any other chimney?
Learn why in this excerpt on chimney hazards, taken from Earthquake Strengthening for Vulnerable Homes
Figure 3. Roof framing circa 1915, where rafters perch on the ends of overhanging ceiling joists.