Design & Engineering
The distance between the outside walls that a truss covers.
The Span
The top horizontal or sloping member of a truss
Top Chord
This tool is crucial to ensure trusses are perfectly vertical before they are fastened, preventing a twisted roof.
Leveler or Plumb Bob
This term refers to the part of the truss that extends beyond the exterior wall.
The Overhang
The bottom member of a truss that connects the two outer walls and acts as a ceiling joist
bottom chord
These metal connectors are used to fasten truss members together at joints.
Metal Gusset plates or truss plates
This documents specifies the truss layout, spacing, and specific engineering requirements for a project.
The Truss Plan
What type of truss is often used for residential projects with habitable living space in the roof area.
Attic Truss
This type of temporary bracing is installed along the top chords to keep trusses aligned and prevent buckling during construction.
Lateral or diagonal bracing
The type of load that involves the weight of the roofing materials themselves, such as plywood and shingles.
Dead Load
These diagonal internal members connect the top and bottom chords to provide stability and distribute loads.
Web members
To avoid structural failure, trusses must be anchored to the wall plate using these, particularly in high-wind areas.
Hurricane ties or truss clips
Trusses are typically engineered to bear loads at these specific points, often at the ends, rather than in the middle.
Bearing points or locations
"Webs" are the diagonal or vertical members located between the top and bottom chords that help distribute loads.
TRUE. Webs form the internal triangular structure.
A "spreading" device used by cranes to lift long truss assemblies safely without causing damage.
Spreader bar