Trusses are critical structural components of a roof system, which support the weight of the roofing materials. Therefore, the importance of the proper installation of roof trusses cannot be overstated. Poor configuration can cause a roof to be overwhelmed by various forces, such as wind and lateral strain, causing the structure to crumble. This article highlights essential aspects to bear in mind when working with timber roof trusses.

Avoid Unnecessary Modifications  

To ensure the structural integrity of a roof and an entire building, a lot of calculations go into designing a roof truss system. The ultimate goal of a timber truss is to withstand the load capacity of a roof. Each member of a roof truss is dependent on other components to form a strong web. Modifying individual pieces might lead to the instability of a roof truss. Also, unnecessary alternations can reduce the load rating of a timber roof system. Therefore, any modification attempts should be made in consultation with a structural engineer or roof truss manufacturer.

Roof Truss Bracing  

Most roof trusses fail because of inadequate or missing bracing, which helps resist external forces such as wind. Additionally, bracing is required to resist lateral forces that can cause the top chords to buckle. Bracing also averts overturning forces that happen because of failure to erect roof trusses in a perfectly vertical manner. The bracing you choose should be informed by factors such as roof truss profile, roof materials, wind velocity and the shape of a building. In Australia, the AS4440-1997 standards can offer guidelines for bracing roof trusses. However, unique truss systems such as half-trusses (trusses with end depth) and cantilevered trusses need exceptional bracing techniques to transfer forces from the roof to the wall bracing. It is a building designer's responsibility to provide roof bracing specifications and not a roof truss vendor.

Beam Sizes

Roof trusses are manufactured with different beam sizes to suit different roofing structures. The larger the beam size, the greater the weight-holding capacity. Improper sizing of beams can be catastrophic and expensive. For instance, when you install trusses with smaller beams than the actual requirement, a roof system becomes susceptible to collapse. Alternatively, oversizing truss beams is wasteful in terms of resources because the components are expensive and difficult to install. Therefore, work with a building designer and roof truss manufacturer to find the right fit for your home.

To learn more about roof trusses, reach out to a local contractor.

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