Brace Attic Trusses

Use a hammer to knock the bottom end loose.

Brace attic trusses.

Truss clusters for maximum strength this image shows a cluster of three trusses tied together. The functions of roof bracing roof bracing performs three distinct functions. Temporary bracing this is used to restrain the trusses during erection. Some bracing provides a way to put up the trusses evenly while holding them and other bracing supports them after they are put up.

Use 1 by 4 inch boards called purlins as temporary braces for rafter trusses. See product data sheet no 3 for more information. Trusses form the roof line on buildings and provide support for the lumber that holds shingles or other form of roof cover. In from the gable end and brace it to the deck.

This can be done by bracing from the floor deck as shown below. Cut any diagonal braces in the truss with a reciprocating saw. Section last after permanently bracing the rest of the trusses. Nail braces vertically every 4 feet along the top and bottom of a gable truss.

Lifting trusses higher than one story may require. Alternatively start the first truss 8 to 12 ft. Turn the truss upside down and place on corner on the roof surface. Brace other rafters as they are installed down the roof by nailing temporary 2 by 4 supports to rafter edges and to roof joists if rafters are being installed separately.

Many a carpenter has been killed or seriously injured when roof trusses suddenly collapse as they re erected. To strengthen the roof system truss clustering cross bracing and wind bracing is recommended at both end of the buildings and every 20 for longer span buildings. Use a t brace to support the truss vertically. Cut the ends to the same angle you used for the pony wall studs.

Purlins 24 oc are typical along with the bottom bracing shown. Slide the rest of the truss up using a 2x4 as a ramp if necessary. Then work away from the braced end filling in the open 8 to 12 ft. Ceiling bracing this is only specified on our designs when no plasterboard is directly fixed to the underside of the trusses.

Without bracing it is almost impossible to install trusses. Nail these temporarily to the outside edges of the rafter sides starting with the third truss. Nail them to the rafters and angle nail the center support to the top edge of the horizontal brace. Install 2x4s at a 45 degree angle.

Truss stability bracing this is permanent bracing which holds the trusses upright straight and prevents any out of plane buckling of the members. Chevron bracing on occasions where this type of bracing is needed it usually covers a minimum of three truss webs half way to the apex of the truss at approximately a 45 degree angle. Cut a 2 by 4 to fit horizontally from rafter to rafter on each truss.