7 Tips To Safely Store Roof Trusses Onsite
Most residential properties with a stable roof use roof trusses of one form or another. While designing a quality roof truss for different applications is vital, it is equally important to store them properly, whether it is after manufacturing or on the construction site right before installation. In this blog, the focus is on storing roof trusses safely and securely on or near the construction site.
How To Store Roof Trusses Onsite?
1. Choose A Proper Location
Roof trusses should be stored on-site at a location where it is easy to store them for a predetermined period. For instance, it should have a flat, stable base and there should not be any water or moisture at the base. It should be free from debris such as small pebbles.
2. Keep The Trusses Elevated
If you are storing the roof trusses on the ground, there is always a risk of absorbing moisture at its base. To avoid this issue altogether, make sure to elevate your trusses slightly off the ground. This can be done with a pair of sturdy wooden blocks, as it provides some gap between the truss base and the ground.
3. Cover Them Properly
Once a proper base is set up, make sure to protect the roof trusses from the weather. This means shielding it from harsh sunlight, moisture, rain and snow. Cover them thoroughly with a tarp or some other weather-resistant material, as it is absolutely vital to keep moisture away from the trusses.
4. Stack Trusses Evenly
It is necessary to stack trusses on top of each other to maximize storage. However, improper stacking can lead to damage in the lower trusses. So be sure to stack them neatly and never overload the trusses at the bottom. Otherwise, you might have to deal with undesirable conditions such as twisting and warping.
5. Focus On Ventilation
Protecting the trusses from the elements should not come at the cost of improper ventilation. Make sure there is some airflow between the trusses to prevent the build-up of moisture, as any condensation can be harmful to the wood trusses.
6. Organize For Efficient Use
Keep your roof trusses labeled and organized, so you can use the right trusses for the right tasks without disturbing others. This makes your storage much more effective and easy.
7. Inspect The Trusses Regularly
Sometimes, even with all the precautions, a roof truss can see some slight damage. To make sure it doesn’t spread, inspect all your stored trusses regularly. Minimal damage can be repaired or rectified, but extensive ones will need a complete overhaul.
Looking for roof trusses for your next project? Tamarack Lumber Inc. can help. As one of the leading manufacturers of quality engineered roof trusses in the state, our experts will aid you with the perfect roof truss design for your specific requirements. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services.
