Guidelines to Help With Floor Trusses Installation
Floor trusses have less weight compared to floor joists. Many builders prefer using floor trusses because of their open design. Trusses are made of smaller elements manufactured to handle the load of your home.
The floor truss installation process is not complicated. It is even easier and lighter to handle trusses compared to joists. The trick is to install them according to the manufacturer's specifications. Below are important tips to help when putting up floor trusses.
Get the Trusses Right
Floor trusses are customised for each specific home. Therefore, you have one chance to get the right trusses. It is best to offer blueprint copies to the truss company before you break ground. The firm will then give you an estimate of the cost of the trusses. The process of making the trusses could start at that point, but that is not a good idea.
The manufacturer should send a representative to measure the foundation. That will ensure they have accurate measurements. You should work with manufacturers who offer this service. Sometimes measurement errors can happen when building the foundation. Thus, the trusses will need some changes. No one wants to end up with trusses that do not fit.
Understand the Layout
The trusses come bundled together with a detailed layout plan. Check the materials on the list against the trusses to ensure you have everything. Each truss has a number or letter showing where it goes on the layout. Take time to get familiar with the truss markings before installing them. Start by transferring the plan to the foundation and then mark the position of each truss. The guide will offer details on how to begin putting up the trusses, the type and number of nails to use, and how to attach the gussets. So your job will be to follow the instructions.
Set the Trusses Right
Nail the trusses only on the points indicated by the manufacturer. You should be careful not to do a 180 degree flip of the truss. That is a common mistake people make. That is because floor trusses look the same on both ends. All the numbered ends of the trusses should face the same direction. That is the only way they will maintain their weight-bearing integrity.
Conclusion
Setting floor trusses in your house is not a difficult task. The trick is to understand the instructions the manufacturer sends. It is the same as connecting puzzle pieces. But you should find out the regulations for trusses installation. Some jurisdictions require a professional to handle the task.