Roof trusses are the framework that supports the roof of a home.  Roof trusses are made of wooden beams that are secured with metal brackets and bolts for added strength to the structure.  There are a number of designs available, yet there are some more common than others.  This article will guide you through the steps of two common roof trusses, which are: 

• Hip Roof Truss
• Gable Roof Truss

DIY-HQ also has these other topics related to your roof, replacing shingles, installing roof jacks

Roof Truss Terminology

Knowing roof truss terminology will help you to build a roof truss more efficiently.  Without going into too much detail, here are a few terms to learn that will help you understand the terminology used in many DIY instructions.  Imagine a three sided triangle that is pointing upwards.  

• Upper chords:  Top two lengths that determine the roof’s pitch
• Bottom chords:  Bottom length of the roof truss that forms the bottom of the triangle
• Web members:  Supporting pieces inside the triangle.  Generally form an “M” or “W” inside the roof truss. Vertical web members are called vertical posts and diagonal ones are called diagonals.
• King post:  Center support that goes from where the upper chords meet to the lower chord.  
• Gusset plate:  Piece that holds sections together

How to Build a Hip Roof Truss:

Materials and Tools:

• 2x6s or 2x8s
• Galvanized steel connector plates
• Screws
• 2x4
• 3 inch deck screws

1. Cut timber to size according to the span of the roof.  The thickness will depend on the weight it will support.  2 x 6s and 2 x 8s are the most commonly used.
2. Secure the timber with galvanized steel connector plates to form a triangular shape.
3. Secure with 1 ½ inch screws.
4. Add a 2 x 4 brace to dissect the center of the triangle.  If trusses are to be used for heavier support, add more supports at 90 degree angles from the bottom of the center support that angles toward the top of the truss.
5. Secure the roof trusses to the framing.  Be sure to leave an overhang, which will depend on the size of the home and the pitch of the roof.  
6. Attach roof trusses to the frame every 2 feet.  Secure them with a 3 inch deck screws.  Brace trusses in place and check for plump before securing the frame.  

How to Build a Hip Roof Truss with Pre-engineered Trusses

Materials and Tools:

• Galvanized nails
• Outdoor screws
• Metal framing brackets
• Metal framing fasteners
• Hammer
• Ladder
• Rope
• Hack saw 
• Pry bar
• Chalk line
• Drill
• Rafter tiles

1. There will be 7 common roof trusses and 3 stepped on each side.  With these pre-engineered trusses, attach center common truss to the double top plates with rafter tiles.  Brace if needed.
2. Add the remaining trusses 24” on center, working towards ends.
3. Hip rafters need to be cut and attached to high point of common rafters.
4. Attach the loose ends to hip rafters to double plates with rafter tiles.
5. Attach and cut common and jack rafters to fit between hip and double top rafters.

How to Build a Gable Roof Truss:

Materials and Tools:

• Circular saw
• Rafters
• 16 penny nails
• Joists

1. Lay the rafters onto rafter horses with their crowns facing up.  Hold a stud against one end and pull all the studs to it.
2. Measure studs, mark them and cut them on the opposite ends with a circular saw.
3. Scribe and cut ridge cuts and birds’ mouths.
4. Nail 1 by 6s across the joists below the ridgeline to create a sturdy platform to begin your work.
5. Using a 1 by 6, align the layout of the ridge to the joists.  The rafters and joists will come together at the plate line.  Space the rafters and joists about 16 inches on center.
6. Hold one end of the rafter to the ridge.  With two 16 penny nails, attach the bottom end to the plate.  
7. Attach another rafter the same way on the other side.  Rafters will meet in the middle and hold each other up.
8. Move the ridge down to the end of the first section and attach two more rafters the same way.  They will also meet in the middle.
9. Pull the ridge up between the two rafter pairs and place the nails through the ridge into the end of the first rafter.  Place two more nails into the opposing rafter.
10. Nail a 2x4 leg at both ends of the ridge board.  This will allow for extra support.
11. The remaining ridge rafter pairs should be constructed in each section.  Remember the support legs.  
12. After you reach the end of the roof, go back and nail the rafter pairs to the ridge.
13. Place the remaining rafters.  Drive in three 16 penny nails where a rafter meets a joist.  Install frieze blocks by nailing though the sides of the rafters into the blocks with two 16 penny nails.
14. Fill in gable ends with gable studs that are spaced 16 inches on center.  Two center studs need to be placed 14 inches apart.
15. Snap a line across the rafter tails and cut them to length.

Roof trusses are the support for your roof.  Once you are finished with your roof truss, you will be ready to sheath and shingle your roof.

• Add New
• Search

Comments (3)

• |2009-12-04 10:19:00 Anonymous
  
  • 0
  • 0

  ReplyQuote

• |2010-03-01 15:56:28 omnom
  ) )
  • 0
  • 0

  ReplyQuote

• |2010-03-01 15:58:04 omnom
  ) ) )
  • 0
  • 0

  ReplyQuote

Write comment

Your Contact Details:

Name:

Email: do not notifynotify

Website:

Comment:

Title:

UBBCode:         -color-aquablackbluefuchsiagraygreenlimemaroonnavyolivepurpleredsilvertealwhiteyellow -size-tinysmallmediumlargehuge

Message:

Security

Please input the anti-spam code that you can read in the image.

Do it yourself - Home