Framing
Roof Truss
A prefabricated engineered structural assembly of lumber and metal connector plates that forms the roof structure, spanning from exterior wall to exterior wall.
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In the Field
Trusses are engineered and manufactured off-site — never cut or modify a truss without a truss engineer's stamped repair drawing. Even a small cut for HVAC can compromise the entire truss. Bracing during installation is critical; trusses are unstable until sheathing is applied.
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Rule of Thumb
Trusses must be braced per the BCSI guide during installation. Lateral bracing is required at top chord, bottom chord, and at web members for longer trusses. Falls from improperly braced trusses are a leading cause of construction fatalities.