September 7, 2021 – Trusses on the rise

This morning, the team completed roof truss preparations.   We completed the double top plating, which is putting another 2×4 (interior) or 2×6 (exterior) on the top of each wall to interlock all the partitions. Here’s a picture of Joe installing the last piece!

We then installed Smart Brackets on the North and South walls.   It’s a system that allows you to hang scaffolding from the roof, allowing better access and visibility when securing the roof trusses.  To install the Bracket in front of the porch, we built a temporary box that basically extended the wall to align it to rest of the wall.

Once that was in place, we assembled the Smart Bracket.

The team was ready to start on the trusses a little ahead of schedule.   We were able to take a late morning break while we waited for the lift and the lift operator.   Since it was close to lunch, we decided to take lunch a little early before we got started.   As usual, we were spoiled by a local church who sponsored our delicious lunch :-).

When we got back, we were all ready to start raising trusses.   Bob had done a truss pre-job brief during our break, so we all knew our assignments.   Joe was a “tail” nailer that aligned and secured the south end truss into position.   I was on the ground support team, helping where needed.

Here’s a picture summary of the first truss install.

To make things a bit more challenging, it was REALLY windy today.   We are guessing that the wind gusts must have been at least 20 mph.   As you can see in the picture, there was a lot of pre-work done on the truss while it’s on the ground.   But … it make for quite a nice sail! ;-).  

The team installed about half of the trusses today, and we will finish up tomorrow morning.   We are blessed to work with an amazing team!