Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
possible, try to choose the truss that sits above an internal wall at about the centre of the
truss so you have something to stand on while fixing the truss in place. It may be
necessary to use ladders and/or a scaffold plank on top of the walls to get a stable footing
to hold the truss vertical while a brace is fitted to it to hold it in place.
Fitting roof trusses
Stand the first truss up and hold it in place with a temporary brace from the top of the
roof truss back to the outside wall. When satisfied with its location, fix it to the outside
wall/beam (see Figure 8.34).
Figure 8.34
Initial securing of the first truss installed, using a temporary angle brace
Stand the second truss up in position, slipping it under the temporary brace. The
second truss will now be fixed at the external walls and held vertical by nailing through
the temporary brace into the top of the roof truss. Continue this process, adding
additional temporary braces as required. Once all the trusses are fixed in position, fit
timber inside the webbing of the truss the length of the house at the top and bottom of
the truss, thereby fixing the distance between the trusses at the ceiling and the peak of the
roof. Refer to your instruction details that are supplied with the trusses. If you have
difficulty understanding the installation instructions, contact your truss supplier. On rare
occasions you may be able to get a representative of the company to come on site and
further explain the instructions, if not you are best to go to their office rather than to try
to communicate over the phone. Alternatively, have your building consultant come on
site to clarify the situation.
