It was another brisk morning here in Sullivan, IL – in the upper 60s when we arrived at the job site. We were again blessed to have a devotional and prayer from a local pastor to start our day. Then Bob handed out our task list. He emphasized was only 1/2 a sheet today, but we were quick to point out that he seemed to use every last line on the sheet :-).
The entire team focused first on getting the final truss setting prerequisites completed. Joe and I got right to work on using nail guns to assure that all the walls were secured to each other, and to the floor. Once that was completed, Joe jumped in to help finish up the top plates. The additional row of lumber is placed over all the walls to assure everything is locked together.
I got pulled into helping to install the vertical east gable strong backs to guide the gable end setting. They are basically three vertical pillars that extend 2 feet above the top plate and are securely attached to the side of the house. A few folks were setting up the scaffolding on the side of the house.
We finished up the list of prerequisites around 10AM break time. Bob took that opportunity to brief everyone on their roles for assisting with truss placement. Joe and I were the truss riggers at the truss pile. Our task was to attach straps to each the truss and connect them to the end of the fork lift. Joe also walked the trusses past some obstacles (like the telephone pole) on it’s way to being lifted on the roof.
Here’s the first truss being lifted into place (take a look at those beautiful strong backs…lol).
The truss was steadied into position and secured by the two truss ‘tail’ nailers from the side scaffolding. Two people on the inside of the house leveled the trusses and connected them together for strength.
This process was repeated for the remaining trusses, ending with the positioning of the end gable. The end gable was the truss that Joe and I had worked on, and is extremely heavy with all of the additional lumber installed on the ground.
By 2:45 quitting time, we had completed about half of the trusses.
We had to get a photo in a window before they get installed tomorrow 🙂 .
Another day of amazing teamwork :-). God is Good!
As Olga said it’s beginning to look like a house. It is really a miracle to witness the results of great planning, good materials and skilled teamwork. This combination has made America great and the most generous people on the planet. We can all take pride in this wonderful example of human accomplishment. We are excited to witness this ongoing success
Miracle is the closest I can come to express my admiration .
Karin is exactly right , this is America at its best adding the blessings God has bestowed on us.
Hard work , commitment, ingenuity and generosity is what made our country great and you two and the team are the personification of our country values .
Proud to have you as my friends .
God bless and stay healthy
WOW Great progress. Looking Good.
Lots going on this day!!!! Once again amazed at how much you and your team accomplish in one day.
Uncle John really enjoyed this group of photos.