Building my own Roof Trusses

Dear DIY,

I am in a bit of a time jam. I need 5 in 12 roof trusses, but the soonest I can get them is 7 weeks because the manufacturers are so backlogged. Anyway, I've got a design, and I am wondering if I can build them myself. I am pretty handy and I have framed before.

From what I gather, I just have to build one truss, setup a template for it, mass produce the other pieces for the other trusses, and assemble. Is there any major problems with someone doing this by themselves (e.g. Legal, special processes, etc.)?

I am in the process of checking with our permit office about this.

Thanks,
Derek

 

20 years ago I built my own trusses for a workshop and went trough the permiting and inspection process with no problems. This year with my new workshop the City required wind load calculations, which only a truss manufacturer could easily supply, and it was strongly advised that I have a truss company build the trusses.

Bottom line is that you are wise to check with your permiting authority.

Godd luck

DWC

 

Thanks DWC,

I just spoke with the Permit Office this morning, and they were OK with me going at it alone. Interestingly enough, they did mention that some coastal regions and Chicago need these wind calculations, but I guess conditions up here do not warrant this.

Also, I got my truss design from a company that manufactures trusses, so if I follow the design I should be fine. I am also going to put in a few structural enhancements, which the Permit Office thought was a real good idea.

Derek

 

Are you going to use the same type of connectors AND installation as the manufacturer or are you going to try to use your own connection system.

Usually with roof trusses, the connector is part of the system that determines the strength.

Dick

 

Back when We use to build them layed it out on the sub floor and put some blocks down for a form . used 1/4" ply for the connections.

ED

 

I plan on using a combination of spiked plates (I can't remember the exact name) and boards to secure the joints. I am not too sure as to how they will be installed. Any thoughs on the installation?

Thanks,
Derek

 

You may want to use the Simpson product to tie your trusses to the top plate. See

http://www.strongtie.com/products/connectors/h.html

I used H-10 for my workshop built here in Florida, you may need only the H-2.

How large is your structure? I don't think that you ever said if it was a house or un-attached building.

DWC

 

This is for a detached garage 24' wide and 25' long.

 

Manufacturers use a large press or a rolling press to install these plates. I cannot think of any practical way of doing it at home. Ed's prior use of plywood used to be the norm as I have seen it for "home made" trusses.