Trusses are critical structural components in building construction. When roofs collapse and buildings fail, it is often due to failure of the roof trusses. Truss failure can be the result of improper design, manufacture, application (for example, using a truss with insufficient snow load capacity; or adding a ceiling or hanging things from the bottom chord when the truss was not designed for either), bracing, or handling and placement of the trusses. Trusses must be handled carefully to keep the metal connector plates from shifting or coming loose and to keep the trusses from flexing in ways that they were not designed for. There are correct and incorrect methods of handling, moving, shipping, loading and unloading, storing, and placing trusses. Information on the dos and don’ts in handling and bracing trusses can be obtained from the Wood Truss Council of America at (608) 274-4849, wtca@woodtruss.com, or www.woodtruss.com
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