What must be obtained before altering engineered wood products?

The requirement for obtaining approval from the manufacturer or a registered design professional before altering engineered wood products is essential because these materials are designed according to specific engineering principles and load-bearing requirements. Any modification to engineered wood products, such as beams, trusses, or panels, can significantly affect their structural integrity and performance.

Manufacturers provide guidelines and specifications for the correct use and modification of their products, ensuring that safety and compliance with building codes are maintained. A registered design professional, such as an architect or engineer, possesses the expertise to assess any proposed alterations and confirm that they adhere to relevant safety standards and structural requirements. This approval helps to prevent potential failures or hazards associated with improper modifications.

In contrast, while obtaining approval from the local building inspector, a contractor, or even a city council may be necessary for certain projects, those steps are generally focused on compliance with building codes and zoning laws rather than the specific engineering assessments required for engineered wood products. Therefore, manufacturer or registered design professional approval is the most critical step before making any alterations.