Truss Technology

 for Builders

  The Wood Truss Council of America (WTCA), and your local WTCA Chapter, suggest you sit down with a cup of coffee and TAKE FIVE MINUETS TO GO OVER EACH NEW PROJECT. Listed below are some important details to look for.  By checking these you can save time and money, as well as avoiding delays!

PLANS

CHECK OVER THE PLANS.  Look for dimensions that don't add up. Are any dimensions missing? Now is the time to find out if your foundation doesn't match the floor plan.  Make sure you have all the information your truss manufacturer needs.

Send your final plans to the truss manufacturer.  Final plans are needed for both layout and truss engineering.  Sometimes there are last minute changes.  If changes do take place, let your truss manufacturer know right away.  Planning up front will prevent major problems at the job-site.

SEALED TRUSS DESIGNS

Check local, county and state BE SURE TO LET YOUR TRUSS MANUFACTURER KNOW IF A SEALED TRUSS DESIGN DRAWING IS REQUIRED. Obtaining a seal later adds extra expense and unnecessary delays to the project.

REVIEW TIME The more time you give your truss manufacturer, the easier it is to meet your delivery schedule. Plenty of TIME IS NEEDED TO REVIEW YOUR PLAN, submit a layout, check your changes, schedule manufacturing, and schedule delivery times.

DELIVERY SCHEDULE Once your plans are approved, YOU WILL BE PLACED IN THE MANUFACTURING SCHEDULE. Any changes after that are a bit like stepping out of line.  Getting back in, or being rescheduled, can be difficult. The complexity of your changes will determine your new delivery date.

TTBTF-12/98

JOB SITE LOCATION Your truss manufacturer needs the EXACT LOCATION OF THE JOB SITE.  This includes the lot site! If it isn't marked, please mark it somehow so the driver knows exactly where  to deliver the trusses.

DELIVERY AND STORAGE SPACE Plan ahead! A big semi trailer truck delivers your trusses. On delivery day, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE PLENTY OF ROOM for the truck to get in and room set aside for the trusses.

Always store trusses on a DRY, FLAT SURFACE. And remember, at night, trusses may become a playground for children.  If trusses are not lying flat, be sure they are properly braced and secure before leaving.  You don't want to be responsible for an injury. 

WTCA THANKS THE WISCONSIN TRUSS MFRS. ASSOC. FOR ALLOWING US TO EDIT AND REPRODUCE THEIR "TAKE FIVE" DOCUMENT.

Truss Technology Today ^TM

                                    Engineering Components for Efficient Framing

Truss Technology for Builders is an informational series presented under WTCA's Truss Technology Today ^TM  Program.  This series is designed to address the issues and questions faced by contractors and framers.

WTCA is a non-profit trade association of approximately 560 truss manufacturer. Together with its chapters located throughout the United States, one of WTCA's primary missions is to educate those involved in all aspects of the building industry about the unique characteristics of metal plate connected wood trusses. Contact WTCA or your local chapter if you are interested in holding a Truss Technology Workshop in your area.

Wood Truss Council of America

One WTCA Center

6425 Normandy Lane · Madison, WI 53719

608/274-4849 · 608/274-3329 (fax)

www.woodtruss.com · wtca@woodtruss.com

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Last modified: April 30, 2003