North Carolina Home Inspector Practice Exam

In which of the following applications are you allowed to cantilever a manufactured truss over a knee wall?

1. Always

2. Sometimes

3. Never

4. Only with specific approval

The correct answer is: Never

Cantilevering a manufactured truss over a knee wall is generally not permitted because it can compromise the structural integrity of both the truss and the wall. Trusses are designed to distribute loads evenly across their support points, and when they are cantilevered improperly, it can lead to excessive stress and potential failure. The knee wall, which typically serves as an intermediate height wall supporting the truss, is not designed to carry the additional loads that would be imposed by a cantilevered truss. This design could result in structural issues such as sagging, buckling, or even collapse over time. In construction practices and codes, it is emphasized that trusses must be supported appropriately at their ends and should not be subjected to moment forces that cantilevering introduces unless specific engineering requirements and approvals are met. Therefore, the notion that you can never cantilever a manufactured truss over a knee wall is a reflection of the strict adherence to structural safety guidelines.