How to Build Trusses

The truss is the major underpinning component of a roof. The sheeting for the roof connects the trusses and supports the tar paper and shingles. The truss bears the majority of the weight of the roof and holds the structure together. Manufacturers use wood for the majority of normal trusses. A proper design for the truss is required to provide the correct height, pitch and length of the truss.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Circular saw
• Nail plates
• Ruler
• Truss design
• Top-grade lumber

1. Review the truss design that you have. Make sure you understand what the layout of the truss is. Before you start is the time to ask questions and clear up any uncertainties.

2. Measure the lumber and cut each of the pieces to manufacture one truss. It is prudent to make the first truss before cutting all the lumber for the trusses that you need. This allows for a change in the design and length of each of the pieces if the first truss isn't quite right.

3. Assemble the first truss on the ground. Lay out all the pieces and lightly tack them together by placing the nail plates at each joint of the truss and lightly tapping them in. Now make the measurements of the truss and make sure it is correct according to the design you have. Make any corrections required and mark the other lumber based on the pieces that you currently have. This will ensure uniformity in the design.

4. Cut the rest of the lumber to specifications. Lay out each truss as you did the first one and nail them together. Center the nail plates between the two boards that form the joint and make sure that the nail plate is also in the middle of the board to yield the greatest strength.