[skiptunas]

Inspector said we need to twin two cracked roof joists. How is is done

[skiptunas]

How to twin a joist

[donf]

Why didn't your inspector tell you what he meant? Did you ask?

I think "twining" and "Sistering" are the same thing.

I believe that you need to lay another joist (same size) along the cracking joist and either nail it to the cracking joist or screw it to the joist covering the failing section.

This will keep the failing joist stable and remove some of the stress off the area that is cracking

[KBC]

Yes,it sounds like sistering.

To do the job correctly,you should try to raise the joists(called rafters) then sistering the side with a similar board.If they are 2X6,a new 2X6.Making sure you include ALL the split area plus additional to insure it doesn't continue after you take the supports off.

Not uncommon for the inspectors to say things and not explain it in laymen terms..

Side note: donf referred to a crawl space as a scuttle, which landlubbers like me(mid west) didn't understand.. ones steak is another's stake.. lol

[spanky917]

Sounds like KBC is correct... a habit of mine is to jack the weak joist up (slight upward arc) just past the point it needs to stay... then securely attach the 'sister' joist... when you release the jack the two joist assembly should settle back to the position you need... this 'settling back' applies load to the new joist.

This is kind of an art... so don't get carried away when making the upward bow... just a little is needed... you don't want your roof to have a hump... instead of the swale you probably have now.

[donf]

Side note: donf referred to a crawl space as a scuttle,,which landlubbers like me(mid west) didn't understand..ones steak is another's stake..lol

So close but incorrect. A "Scuttle" is an opening into, in this case an attic or a crawl space.