Why trusses are treated cautiously
Most houses and townhomes built around Westminster since the 1970s have prefabricated wood trusses rather than site-built rafters. A truss is a set of relatively small lumber pieces joined by toothed metal plates. It works as a system: if one web member or one plate is compromised, the load path changes. Heat can loosen the plate teeth from the wood even when the lumber itself is only lightly charred, and that damage is easy to miss on a quick look.
Older homes with site-built rafters and ceiling joists, common in the southern part of the city, behave more like the solid framing in walls. Charred rafters may be sistered or replaced individually, though the same care applies to anything that has lost depth.
What a roof structure assessment typically covers
| Component | What is looked at | Common outcome when damaged |
|---|---|---|
| Truss chords and webs | Char depth, cracks, deflection | Replacement or an engineered repair detail |
| Metal connector plates | Teeth pulled out, discoloration, plate distortion | Truss replacement or engineered repair |
| Rafters and ceiling joists | Char depth, splitting, sag | Sister or replace |
| Roof decking | Char, delamination, soft spots, smoke staining | Replace damaged sheets; seal or replace smoke-stained ones |
| Ridge, eaves and soffits | Heat and smoke at vents and overhangs | Replace vents and soffit material as needed |
| Underlayment and shingles | Heat blistering, holes, water from firefighting | Usually replaced over the affected area |
How a roof repair usually unfolds
- Right after release
- Openings are tarped or boarded to keep weather out. In wind-prone areas, tarps need solid fastening and regular checks.
- Assessment
- Attic structure is evaluated once safe access is set up. An engineer may be brought in for trusses.
- Ordering
- Replacement trusses are often custom-built, so their lead time can set the pace of the whole project.
- Structural repair
- Damaged members are removed and new ones set, with temporary bracing as needed, followed by a framing inspection.
- Dry-in
- Decking, underlayment and roofing go on so interior work can continue without weather risk.
Questions to ask about your roof
- Were the connector plates checked on every truss near the fire, not just the charred ones?
- Will an engineer review the trusses, and will I receive a copy of the letter?
- What is the lead time for replacement trusses, and how is the house protected meanwhile?
- Is smoke-stained decking being replaced or sealed, and why?
Common questions
Can new shingles match the rest of the roof?
Sometimes, if the product is still made. Weathering makes exact matching hard. Ask your insurer how it handles matching when a partial roof replacement looks noticeably different.
General information for Westminster, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.