How do I Assemble the Roof Trusses?

08/31/2016 · HT039

At this stage a second person (or two) will be required to assist with assembling the roof trusses.  The roof truss will be created with multiple framing components:

• • Peak – this is the center portion that is the highest point of your roof.

• • Rafters – these use VersaTube slip-fit technology to attach to the peak and extend the framing over to the sides of your building.

• • Side posts – these are vertical framing members that attach to the pins in the base rails and the ends of the rafters to form the side wall framing for your building. The tops of the side posts are mandrel bent to create the pitch of the roof when attached to the rafters and peak.

If your building is over a certain height, you may also have height extensions which will be attached to the side posts during assembly. Lay the components to build one truss out on the slab and slide the joints together loosely. Now proceed with the following steps:

• • Measure from the outside of one side base rail to the outside of the other – this is the same dimension you should have at the outsides of your side posts after assembly.

• • Adjust the joints at the peak and rafters so that you have that measurement at both the top and bottom of your side posts – check both areas to ensure the dimension is the same.

• • Install 2 metal screws at each joint. When screwing the side post joints, place the fasteners on the sides or inside of the post rather than the outside so the heads don’t interfere when installing the building’s exterior sheathing.

It is a good idea to use your first complete truss as a guide to ensure all truss assemblies are square and equal.  Once all the truss brace assemblies are complete you (and a helper or two) will be ready to set the assemblies on the base rail pins.