Are you wondering how to strengthen your roof trusses? First, it is worthy to note that a roof truss is a structural framework designed to bridge the space over rooms, supporting roofing materials to balance the walls. The trusses occur at regular intervals with longitudinal posts to support them.
Roof trusses are essential because they support the roof, which is very crucial to the building. Without them, strong storms would make your roof vulnerable. Also, weak trusses cause the walls to weaken and fall due to the materials’ heavy weight.
Tips On How To Install The Roof Truss The Right Way
There are many types of roof trusses. It is essential to research each because they are installed in different house structures and support different roofs. Roofing professionals like Roof Master can help you understand how to install various types of roof trusses.
Roof trusses are also different because they support various roof designs and shapes. These roofing structures also make it easy for roofers to roof because of the reduced need to cut complicated roof angles.
It is challenging for a first-time homeowner to know how to install their roof trusses and do it right. Although they are not roofers, it is essential to know these tips to guide the installers if things don’t seem to be going right.
Know the Cost
Roof trusses are available in different materials that cost differently. For example, a wood truss costs $30-$400, and the cost depends on the size of the roof. Also, set aside the installation fee, which also depends on the size of the truss.
What To Know About First Truss Installation
Some homeowners buy their roof trusses from manufacturers, and others have them made on the site of the building. Out of the many roof truss materials, most people purchase wood trusses because they are more robust and add aesthetics to the roof.
However, it is also essential to research the characteristics of each material before buying. For example, wood is strong and has a beautiful natural finishing, but this roofing material is prone to water and other elements like insects. Termites feed on wood and destroy it.
If you install the trusses by hand, ensure you fit everything perfectly before lifting the truss to fix it on the roof. It would be best if you did the fitting while the truss is on the ground. Also, ensure that you use glue to attach the metal gusset plates to truss joints.
Also, be careful when nailing, so you don’t damage the wood. Use nail heads for complete protection of the wood. You can get roof truss installation instructions from the manufacturers.
When installing, the workers should manually lift and place the trusses on the roof, on each corresponding number on the wall plate. However, ensure that it is secured to the wall using a wall plate and hold it upright using temporary braces.
Installing The Other Trusses
Once you install the first truss, the others follow similarly, with each truss lying in its right position on the roof. Next, the constructor attaches a ridge beam at the apex of the truss, extending to the end of the top.
Each subsequent truss attached to the wall plate is secured using nails, put into an upright position using the temporary braces. Some builders add temporary support until the trusses are strong enough to stay on their own.
Roof Trusses Move
Temperature changes cause truss members to shift positions causing the center of the bottom chord to move upwards. Therefore, builders should not connect the bottom of the chord to the top of the walls.
Connecting the chords will lead to cracks, which can also void the truss’s warranty. Also, during installation, ensure you nail the truss only at the specified points by the manufacturer.
How To Strengthen Roof Trusses
Roof trusses are essential to the house because they hold the roof and the roof materials together. A weak roof truss will weaken the walls and can lead to a weak top. These tips will help you to strengthen your roof’s truss.
Step 1: Apply A Construction Adhesive
Strengthen the edge of the truss where the roof connects to the plywood roof deck using a construction adhesive. Use the same caulking tips to put on the adhesive.
Step 2: Stiffen Trusses
Join the trusses with 2x4s running across the house to stiffen them. Support the ends with 2x4s diagonals and use hurricane tie-downs to attach the trusses to the walls. Ensure you strap down the trusses starting from the attic or behind the soffit panels.
If you are installing metal tie-downs, this will be challenging. A pro tip is to install it during roof replacement. Also, if there is nothing accessible to attach the truss straps on, connect them to the inside walls.
Step 3: Clean The Gutters
The gutters allow water to run down the roof, so always ensure they are clean. Repair any damaged parts of the gutter system. Also, put more caulking and flashing at all the roof penetrations, skylights, and chimneys, and any other place there is a connection.
Step 4: Inspect Shingles
Check if there are any loose or damaged shingles at the eaves and the other parts of the roof. These can lead to water penetration, damaging the roof truss—glue down the loose shingles with roofing cement. Leave metal and clay tiles for the pros to inspect.
Step 5: Treat The Shingles And Underlayment
Lift the shingles and gutters together with the eaves and apply a layer of roofing cement. Also, remove satellite antennas and fasten the galvanized flashing with screws. Finally, cover the holes with roofing cement.
Step 6: Contact A Professional
If you don’t have the right skills to DIY these steps, it is advisable to work with a professional. They know how to handle the roofs better and will do a better job. Also, do not practice how to strengthen the trusses with your roof. You will damage it.
Final Words
Roof trusses are essential to the building because they support the entire roof. Without them, the roof’s materials would weaken the walls. In addition, strengthening the roof trusses will protect your roof from hurricanes and harsh climates.
