Trusses must be in the vertical plane to take advantage of their superior ability to support loads.

The truss erector or the builder shall take the necessary precautions to ensure that erection procedures and handling methods do not damage the trusses and thus reduce their load carrying capacity.

Truss Alignment

ALL TRUSSES ARE LATERALLY UNSTABLE until properly braced. The longer the span the more care required. Adequate restraint is necessary at all stages of construction.

Complete stability is not achieved until the bracing and decking is completely installed and properly fastened.

Erection, bracing, and procedures as well as the safety of the workers are the responsibility of the erector.

Problems may occur in attempts to realign trusses. Align each truss and place it permanently in position before it is connected to the bracing system. Once there is a load, even from the weight of the truss itself, large lateral forces are developed by attempts to realign the trusses. This may break the bracing system.

When properly aligned, each top chord should not vary more than 1/2 inch from a straight line.

Out-of-plumb installation tolerances

The bracing system should provide support at spacings at no farther apart than the drawings show for the bridging. Without proper bracing trusses may not support even their own weight.

Collapse can easily occur without a bracing system that will prevent both horizontal sway or roll over. By rolling on their sides, where they have no strength, the trusses will break or pull the ends off the bearings.

DO NOT permit cutting, drilling or any procedure that may damage the chords or webs.

DO NOT remove webs (even temporarily).

DO NOT make field repairs to damaged trusses without the approval of the manufacturer.

DO NOT overload single or groups of trusses with plywood, roofing or other construction materials or tools.

DO NOT erect damaged trusses. Should a truss or group of trusses fall to the ground or be damaged in any way at all, do not proceed! The site engineer of note must certify that the trusses are satisfactory to erect. Notify the truss supplier immediately.

Top Chord Temporary Bracing

Flat roof temporary bracing

Pitched roof temporary bracing

We acknowledge the kind permission of Roof Trusses & Components Ltd, Ontario, Canada for the use of some of their copyrighted illustrations and texts.