I have a timber framer who I like very much and is offering an affordable price for his frame. Big companies refused to use a bent system because the middle bay of the home is 20' wide. The timber framer I'm working with said it could be done by breaking up the bay at the front of the house, but leaving the gabled bump-out great room with a clear 20' span. Structurally, it seems to work. My only concern is that he is using a 5x7 ridge purlin on the gabled bump-out, and it spans 17'3". He said he could increase it to 7x7, but that the ridge sees very little load compared to the valley (and they are sized at 8x10). Does this seem sound? By the way, the entire frame is in oak.
My second concern (or point of contention) is that he is attaching the roof purlins insde a 2" pocket, but nailed with galvanized 70d nails from the top (not visible on the inside). Is there a joinery method that requires no more labor but without nails?
I have PDF copies of the design that I would be willing to email to anyone for their opinion.
Many thanks.
