The Don'ts of Timber Roof Trusses
Posted on: 30 January 2020
When you ask most people what the most important part of a building is, the most common answer you will get is 'the foundation.' While it is true that the foundation guarantees the stability of a home, there is no denying that the roof is also an important part. This is because the roof protects the occupants from external elements. Over the years, roof designs have changed considerably with timber roof trusses becoming the most popular among homeowners. Not only are they versatile and flexible, but timber roof trusses are also eco-friendly and, most importantly, they allow for aesthetical freedom. However, if you are going to use timber roof trusses for your roof, there are a couple of dos and don'ts that you must watch out for. This article highlights the don'ts of timber roof trusses.
Don't Cut out Trusses for Utilities
Timber trusses are prefabricated, and that is why their installation is easy and fast. However, one thing with prefabricated trusses is that they are first cut to size before installation. This ensures that each truss is the right fit. Therefore, it is advisable not to cut out any part of the trusses once they are in place to avoid creating uneven weight distribution. Unfortunately, most homeowners choose to ignore such advice and decide that it is a good idea to cut out trusses to fix their utilities such as lighting and HVAC. If you cut out parts of a roof's timber truss, you will be compromising the structural strength and thus risking the roof crumbling down.
Don't Store Heavy Items in Ceiling
As mentioned earlier, one advantage of timber roof trusses is structural strength. Therefore, the trusses can hold certain weights, such as the tiles that go on the roof. However, despite their strength, homeowners should never use the ceiling space on their roof as storage space for heavy items. This is especially the case if the trusses are not designed to handle the weight in question. For instance, if you have an open plan roof, it is the last place you would want to build an attic room that is meant for occupancy.
Don't Stand on Trusses before Bracing
During installation, it is common for roofers first to put the trusses in place to ensure every bit fits before bracing. Therefore, it is critical to avoid placing any weights on the trusses during the fitting stage. Despite such instructions, some people stand on trusses that have yet to be braced as they receive other trusses from below. Only step on timber trusses once you are sure that they have been securely braced in place to avoid injuries.
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