How to Brace Trusses

Roof trusses must be balanced atop the framed walls during construction.

Trusses are the triangular frames that make up most modern roof skeletons. They are made up of three main parts known as the upper and lower cords. There are two upper cords in each truss, running diagonally from the roof peak to the top of the wall, just like common rafters. There is one lower cord, running horizontally from the top of one wall to the other. The center braces are known as webs. These pieces are installed one at a time to create the frame for the roof. They must be braced to each other until the permanent attachment with the top of the wall is complete.

Things You'll Need

• Trusses
• 16 d nails
• Hammer
• Tape measure
• 2 by 4 lumber
• Metal truss tie plates

Instructions

1. Measure the distance from one end of your structure along each side wall, marking the wall top every 24 inches with a rafter square.

2. Set the first truss on top of the wall, even with the end, and with the peak up and the ends centered side to side. Nail through the bottom board or lower cord on an angle into the top wall to hold the truss in place temporarily.

3. Stand the next truss in place on the next mark along the wall. Nail through the lower cord into the top of the wall on an angle to hold it in place. Attach a long piece of 2 by 4 to the first truss on the center vertical or king stud brace, running horizontally through the second truss and extending down the roof. Nail the 2 by 4 to the second truss on the vertical king stud, 24 inches from the first truss.

4. Add trusses one at a time in this manner, spaced 24 inches apart. Nail the trusses to the top of the wall and the 2 by 4 brace. Attach metal truss joining plates between the lower cords and the top of the wall using framing nails to permanently attach the plates to the walls.

5. Attach plywood decking on top of the trusses for the base of your roof. Once the decking is complete, the 2 by 4 brace inside can be removed.

References

• DIY Hq: How to Build a Roof Truss
• Hometime: Projects Framing
• "Rough Framing Carpentry"; Mark Currie; Craftsman Book, 1993