Many floor framing issues can be solved with floor trusses. Floor truss plans are being used by architects, engineers, and builders to generate high-quality, squeak-free construction. This reduces framing time, waste, and callbacks. The open space given between the chords and webs of floor trusses allows for mechanical and plumbing runs. Therefore,  it provides design adaptability. Floor trusses provide significant advantages to today’s complex and sophisticated building designs.

The components of a floor truss

A floor truss is made up of the following components:

• Bearing: A structural support, generally a beam, wall, or post created by the architect to transmit the truss’ reaction load to the base.
• Bottom Chord: An inclined or horizontal element that forms the bottom of a truss and often bears combined tension and bending loads.
• Floor Panel/Deck: A prefabricated unit consisting of floor joists, subflooring, completed flooring, and occasionally a ceiling below that is supported by walls, columns, or beams.
• Overall Depth: The vertical distance between the bearing and the peak’s highest point.
• Panel Length: The horizontal distance between two successive panel locations along the top or bottom chord.
• Panel Point: A truss location where the web members and top or bottom chords converge and are joined by metal connector plates.
• Span: The horizontal distance between the outside edges of the outside bearings.
• Top Chord: An inclined or horizontal element that serves as the truss’s top member.
• Triangulation: The act of constructing stiff triangles using properly secured items.

Designing a floor truss plan

When designing a floor truss plan the builder sends house plans to the manufacturer of wood floor trusses. Building designers determine the level of support the floor trusses must offer, depending on the load. Truss designers then calculates the number of trusses needed and where they will be placed on the structure. Trusses are then built by the manufacturer, labelled for proper installation, and shipped to the builder on the job site.

A detailed diagram with truss placements is sent with the order to assist the builder in placing the trusses exactly where they should be installed.

Advantages of a floor truss

The following are some of the advantages of using floor trusses:

• Floor trusses are constructed from 2x4s or 2x3s to provide a large, robust bearing surface that is simpler to operate on and around.
• The large nailing surface facilitates easy bonding and rapid, precise installation, eliminating squeaks and increasing floor performance over the life of the building.
• The spacing of floor trusses ensures optimal structural efficiency and installation speed.
• The floor truss can be constructed to be stiffer and stronger, resulting in a more solid floor.
• Special bearing, cantilever, and balcony elements are simple to include.
• Shrinkage, warping, and twisting are reduced.
• Long spans and girder truss choices eliminate the need for intermediate beams, bearing walls, footings, and columns, which saves time and money during construction.
• The open web architecture allows for lots of plumbing, electrical, and mechanical lines.
• The use of floor trusses allows for shallower or greater depths.

If you’re looking for a timber truss and roof company, then Gosford Timber and Truss is a name you can trust. Contact us on 0409 437 201 or visit us at www.gosfordframentruss.com.au for more information.

We service MacMasters Beach, Hardys Bay, Fountaindale, Umina, Terrigal, Gosford, Pretty Beach, Bateau Bay, Patonga, Avoca, surrounding areas, Killcare, Ettalong, Copacabana and surrounding areas.