INSTALLATION GUIDE

ROOF TRUSS
2020
 CONTENTS

SECTION 1 SCOPE & GENERAL...................................................................... 2

1.1 GENERAL..................................................................................................... 2
1.2 APPLICATION............................................................................................... 2
1.3 DOCUMENTATION....................................................................................... 2
1.4 SERVICES.................................................................................................... 3
1.5 ANCILLARY TIMBER.................................................................................... 3
1.6 TRANSPORT AND STORAGE...................................................................... 3
1.7 SAFETY......................................................................................................... 4
1.8 ROOF ANCHORS & GUARDRAILS............................................................. 4
1.9 TRUSS MODIFICATION OR REPAIR........................................................... 4
1.10 CONSTRUCTION LOADS.......................................................................... 4

SECTION 2 SUPPORTING STRUCTURE.......................................................... 5

2.1 GENERAL..................................................................................................... 5
2.2 LOAD BEARING WALLS.............................................................................. 5
2.3 NON-LOAD BEARING WALLS..................................................................... 5

SECTION 3 TRUSS INSTALLATION................................................................. 7

3.1 GENERAL..................................................................................................... 7
3.2 SET OUT....................................................................................................... 7
3.3 LIFTING......................................................................................................... 7
3.4 FIRST TRUSS............................................................................................... 8
3.5 SUBSEQUENT TRUSSES............................................................................ 9
3.6 ERECTION BRACING AND TOLERANCES................................................. 9

SECTION 4 ROOF BRACING............................................................................ 11

4.1 GENERAL..................................................................................................... 11
4.2 BATTENS...................................................................................................... 11
4.3 TOP CHORDS............................................................................................... 11
4.4 BOTTOM CHORDS....................................................................................... 13
4.5 WEBS............................................................................................................ 13

SECTION 5 TRUSS CONNECTIONS ................................................................ 15

5.1 SPEEDTRUSS SCREWS............................................................................. 15
5.2 HIP ENDS...................................................................................................... 15
5.3 GIRDERS...................................................................................................... 17
5.4 GABLE-END TRUSSES................................................................................ 17
5.5 VALLEYS....................................................................................................... 17
5.6 OVERHANGS .............................................................................................. 18

1 ROOF TRUSS INSTALLATION GUIDE

SECTION 1

SCOPE &
GENERAL
1.1 GENERAL 1.3 DOCUMENTATION
Timber roof trusses are engineered and manufactured It is the builder’s responsibility to supply all of the
to an exacting standard which require special handling, relevant information required for the truss designs. It is
erection and bracing techniques. To ensure that the recommended that the truss manufacturer confirms all
expected performance is achieved, it is imperative that all details prior to manufacture.
relevant parties are familiar with the requirements set out
in this document. 1.3.1 Layout
The guidelines in this document are a sub-set of the A roof truss layout must be obtained prior to erection, with
full Australian Standard® AS4440-2004 “Installation of the following points considered:
nailplated timber trusses”, and as such should be read in
a. Check dimensions of the supporting structure prior to
conjunction with this Standard.
manufacture.
Pryda Australia acknowledges Standards Australia for b. Check the truss layout to identify the trusses, and also
permission to reproduce some of the drawings and check for the correct orientation of trusses – two span,
technical content from within AS4440-2004. multiple and cantilever trusses.
c. Check that the supporting structure is adequate for the
1.2 APPLICATION loads to be applied, especially where girder trusses are
located, and lintels.
This document intends to apply to nailplate timber roof
d. Check that information on roof bracing, bottom chord
trusses within the following general limitations:
bracing (including the need for BC ties, if applicable)
a. Residential structures (NCC Building classes 1, 2, 3 and any other applied loading (solar tank etc.) on the
and 10) and light commercial structures. roof is provided.

b. Maximum roof pitch 45 degrees. e. Check that information on truss to truss connections,
tie-downs, web-ties, scabs etc. is provided clearly on
c. Maximum truss span 16 m. the layout.
d. Maximum design wind speed of 74 m/s.

TYPICAL TRUSS LAYOUT AND TRUSS TYPES (NOTE: BRACING NOT SHOWN FOR CLARITY)

ROOF TRUSS INSTALLATION GUIDE 2

 SECTION 1 SCOPE & GENERAL

TRUSS TERMINOLOGY

1.4 SERVICES 1.5 ANCILLARY TIMBER

1.4.1 General Check that adequate ancillary timber is available where
required (eg for temporary bracing).
Roof trusses are capable of supporting service loads from
heating units, air-conditioned units, hot water service etc.
provided the design takes them into account. The truss 1.6 TRANSPORT AND STORAGE
manufacturer should be consulted for advice.
During transportation, in either flat or upright positions, the
If trusses require modification to accommodate trusses must be fully supported, taking care whilst tying
these services, it is best practice to consult the truss down to avoid putting undue strain on the truss members.
manufacturer before any alterations are made to a truss. Trusses should be stored on the job site clear of the
Do not cut out any truss member without asking! ground and kept flat to avoid distortion. All trusses should
be inspected on delivery, and any damaged trusses
1.4.2 Hot Water Services reported to the truss manufacturer immediately to ensure
Hot water services are best supported directly on internal correct rectification.
walls, but where this is not possible, and the trusses are
required to carry this load, then the truss manufacturer Trusses must be protected from weather, before and after
must be consulted for special design. installation. Prolonged exposure to rain and sun can be
detrimental to both the timber (fungal damage, splitting,
distortion etc.) and nailplates (loss of embedment and
1.4.3 Solar Hot Water Services
corrosion).
For solar powered hot water services, with internally or
externally mounted water storage tanks, refer to the truss If trusses are stored under tarpaulin or similar cover,
manufacturer for appropriate details. If the solar tank or adequate ventilation must be provided. This can be
panels are installed on the roof, seek advice from the achieved by leaving the ends of the cover open to allow
truss manufacturer. air to flow through freely and by spreading apart each
stack of trusses. Free air circulation will help dry out any
condensation that could accumulate under the cover.

It is best practice to install roof trusses within a week or

two prior to installation of roof cladding.

SOLAR HOT WATER TANK LOADS WOULD BE NORMALLY

REFLECTED ON THE TRUSS LAYOUT.

3 ROOF TRUSS INSTALLATION GUIDE

SECTION 1 SCOPE & GENERAL

1.7 SAFETY • Only a competent person works at heights.

• Suitable footwear that provides good foothold is worn.
The installation of timber roof trusses must adhere to the
relevant safety work practices for the general construction • A nominated competent person from the truss erection
of roofs. This will require that barriers or safety lines be team oversees the work.
installed at the appropriate time. These systems must
not modify the trusses, nor put loads onto the trusses, • A competent person or the truss manufacturer/supplier
unless prior written approval is provided by the truss has provided the necessary detail and instructions,
manufacturer. including advice in regard to installers standing on the
bottom chord.
Section 8.5 of the Safe Work Australia publication, • The bottom chord is visually checked by a nominated
“Preventing Falls in Housing Construction – Code of competent person for defects that may compromise the
Practice – July 2012” provides guidance on safe erection material’s structural integrity (ie knots, splits, cracks and
methods for roof trusses. It is recommended that the rotting timber) before walking on it.
requirements in this Code of Practice are well understood
by the installer prior to erecting trusses.
1.8 ROOF ANCHORS & GUARDRAILS
Under the heading SAFE ERECTION METHODS FOR
ROOF TRUSSES, this Safe Work Australia publication Roof trusses are not normally designed to resist loading
provides strict guidelines for a person erecting trusses. from roof anchors or guardrails. Seek advice from the
It states that at no time is any person to stand on or truss manufacturer. Safety anchor requirements (type
work from an external wall top plate without suitable fall and location) should be determined and given to the truss
protection. Below is an extract from this publication: manufacturer before the detailed design of trusses occurs.

The erection of trusses may be undertaken from internal Read Pryda Technical Update TU26 for further information
wall top plates or from scaffold planks supported on on upgrading trusses to receive guardrail posts.
internal wall top plates provided:

• No person works closer than 1.5 metres to an external 1.9 TRUSS MODIFICATION OR REPAIR
wall, including gable end walls.
Trusses must not be modified on site without the prior
• No person is exposed to the risk of a fall into a stairwell written approval from the truss manufacturer.
or other void. The installer must report any damage, alterations or
• Planks are adequately supported across their spans. installation errors to the truss manufacturer immediately
and must not attempt to repair a truss without a
The allowable spans for timber planks are given in Table 1 rectification detail from the truss manufacturer.
of section 2.2 Appendix B of “Preventing Falls in Housing
Construction – Code of Practice – July 2012”. Laminated It must be noted that trusses and the type of damage
timber, aluminium and steel planks must be used in could vary immensely, and each repair should be treated
accordance with the manufacturer’s directions. on its merits. The truss installer must refrain from using
his prior knowledge or any ‘standard’ detail that he might
When trusses are erected at up to 600 mm centres, have.
persons working between the trusses to fix or brace them
can use the erected trusses as a form of fall protection
under controlled conditions as described below. If trusses 1.10 CONSTRUCTION LOADS
are erected at greater than 600 mm centres, refer to
Section 8.5 of this Code of Practice for suggested Extreme caution must be demonstrated when placing
methods of working safely at heights. construction loads on roof trusses. Stack only reasonable
amount of materials, by ensuring they are located along
Truss bottom chords are considered a safe working area external supports or directly over internal supports of a
for a competent person if all the conditions below are met. properly braced structure. Construction materials must not
If the person erecting trusses is to walk or work from the be placed at locations that will produce instability such as
bottom chords of the trusses, you should ensure that: ends of cantilevers or girder to girder connections, and
should not be dropped on trusses.
• Trusses are adequately braced to stabilise the structure.
If the bottom chord is used to support the person Failure to heed these recommendations could result in
erecting trusses, then it should be laterally restrained bodily injury and/or property damage.
by ties at a maximum 3000 mm centres (refer Section
3.6.2 for more details).

ROOF TRUSS INSTALLATION GUIDE 4

 SECTION 2

SUPPORTING
STRUCTURE
2.1 GENERAL 2.2 LOAD-BEARING WALLS
To ensure a satisfactory roof line on completion, the This is where the full load from the roof trusses is
supporting structure must be plumb, and the load supported on walls - generally the exterior perimeter walls,
bearing top plates must be level across the building. This but may occasionally also include some internal walls (eg
will ensure support heights are maintained level, and multiple span trusses).
consequently a level ceiling line is achieved.
2.2.1 Internal Support Walls
Care must be taken to ensure that the supporting
structure (walls, beams etc.) is adequately designed and If internal walls are required as supports, the truss
stable in its own right. itself and the layout shall be marked accordingly, and
this intention must be made very clear.
All trusses are to be fixed to the supporting structure with
appropriate fixings, typically Pryda Multigrips etc. The The installer shall ensure that trusses are orientated
selection of the fixing depends on the magnitude of the correctly when using internal walls as supports. The
support reaction (uplift) and the nature of the support. supporting structure, including footings, should be
Refer to Section 5 for details. checked by the builder to allow for this load. If the trusses
were provided a camber at the internal support locations,
COMMON PRYDA TIE-DOWN CONNECTORS
it is necessary to pack under the truss BC to ensure full
bearing, prior to loading.

Refer to AS1684 –2010 “Residential Timber-framed

Construction” for the wall plate, stud and lintel installation
details. Heavy concentrated loads such as those from
girders and truncated girders are best supported directly
over studs with special attention given to the load path all
the way down the structure to the foundations.

2.2.2 Lintels and Support Beams

Lintels and support beams must be correctly sized and
supported in order to limit deflection and to ensure a level
bearing surface is provided for the roof trusses in the long
term.

2.3 NON-LOAD BEARING WALLS

Non-load bearing walls shall not carry any truss loading at
any time, and shall not be packed to touch the underside
of the truss. It is common to set non load bearing walls
lower than the supporting walls by an amount equal to the
depth of the ceiling battens plus 10mm. The truss is still
required to stabilize the top of the wall and this is done by
PRYDA TRUSS TIE PRYDA MULTIGRIP
using Pryda Partition Hitches which are nailed near the
top of the vertical slots. Do not embed the nail heads fully
home, as the truss must be allowed to settle downwards
as time passes and the camber comes out of the truss.

CYCLONE STRAP (WRAPPED AROUND)

LOAD BEARING AND NON-LOAD BEARING WALLS

5 ROOF TRUSS INSTALLATION GUIDE

SECTION 2 SUPPORTING STRUCTURE

2.3.1 Fixing Top Plates to Truss Bottom Chords of c) Non Bracing Wall with FastFix Internal Wall Screw
Non-Load Bearing Walls
Pryda FastFixTM Internal Wall Screw (IWS) laterally
a. Bracing Wall - Pryda Shear Connectors are used to stabilises the tops of internal walls by fixing them to the
transfer racking loads from truss bottom chords to the bottom chord of roof trusses.
bracing walls.
The head-less plain shank of the screw in the top
plate allows for vertical movement in the truss without
transferring load to the wall.

Points to check

• Install the IWS at every second truss or at 1800 mm

maximum spacing.
• The IWS must be installed vertically to enable
movement of the truss.
• Pryda recommends that the IWS guide is used to
ensure accuracy and make installation easier.

b) Non-bracing wall - Pryda Hitch brackets are used

to stabilize the top of non-load bearing internal walls,
required at 1800 mm c/c. They are fixed to the truss
bottom chords through slotted holes which allow vertical
movement of trusses.

POINTS TO CHECK:

• NAIL NEAR TOP OF SLOT

• DON’T DRIVE NAIL HOME
• ALLOW TRUSSES TO DEFLECT
• FIXED AT NOT MORE THAN 1800MM C/C

ROOF TRUSS INSTALLATION GUIDE 6

 SECTION 3

TRUSS
INSTALLATION
3.1 GENERAL 3.3 LIFTING
The following recommendations are guidelines only, as Trusses must always be lifted in a manner that minimises
the details are the responsibility of the roof truss installers. lateral bending stresses. It is preferable that they be kept
Refer to AS4440-2004 for more detail. strapped in bundles until they are erected, as this reduces
the chances of damage.

3.2 SET OUT Trusses may be lifted either by crane or manually. The
choice will depend on the truss weight and wall height.
Prior to lifting any truss into place, it is often convenient They should be maintained in a vertical plane as much as
to mark out the truss locations on the top plate using the possible when being handled individually.
supplied truss layout for reference.
Trusses lifted by crane require slings or spreader bars
Girder and truncated girder trusses should be set out as shown in the diagrams. Where trusses are place
first as they have specific fixed locations. Dual purpose in bundles directly onto the top plate, it is imperative
trusses such as truncated girders / girders need special that they are supported by internal walls and that the
attention as they may appear similar to other trusses supporting structure is stable in its own right.
which must not be used accidentally instead.
CRANE CRANE
Standard trusses must then be set out, taking care not
to exceed the design spacing. Generally they would be <60
evenly set out over runs of similar trusses. But it is also <60
acceptable to space them at the design spacing and
have a closing gap smaller than this - adjacent to a more
heavily loaded truss, if possible.

A gauging rod is very useful for setting out trusses. Pryda

Truss Spacers may also be used for this purpose.
1/3 to 1/2 SPAN 1/3 to 1/2 SPAN

GAUGING ROD
VERTICAL LIFTING OF TRUSSES – SPAN LESS THAN 9M

CHAIN FOR BRACE ON

LATERAL MOVEMENT
OF TRUSS
CRANE CRANE

TRUSS SPACING
NAILS
VERTICAL CHAIN
OR SLING

GAUGING ROD
1/3 to 1/2 SPAN 1/3 to 1/2 SPAN

TIE VERTICAL LIFTING OF TRUSSES – SPAN FROM 9M TO 16M

FIRST
TRUSS

LOCATE AND SPACE EACH

TRUSS USING GUAGING ROD

HORIZONTAL LIFTING OF TRUSSES

7 ROOF TRUSS INSTALLATION GUIDE

SECTION 3 TRUSS INSTALLATION

When erected manually, they may be slid flat over the

side walls on skids spread at 3m intervals, then rotated
vertically into position – supported at the apex and panel
points to ensure that they do not distort or sag between
supports during this process.

When positioning multiple span or cantilever trusses,

take care that they are the correct way around. Such
trusses will have markings on the bottom chord
showing the point of internal support.

Also refer to Section 8.5 of the Safe Work Australia

publication, “Preventing Falls in Housing Construction –
Code of Practice – July 2012” for safety aspects when
lifting trusses.

3.4 FIRST TRUSS TEMPORARY BRACING FOR GABLE END ROOF

METHOD 2 – PROP TO GROUND
3.4.1 Gable Roofs
On gable roofs, start with the gable truss which is located 3.4.2 Hip and Dutch Gable Roofs
over or just inside the end wall. Then brace it back to the
ground, or to some other stable part of the structure.
3.4.2.1 Hip and Dutch Gable Roofs with
SpeedTruss™
Some gable end trusses are designed to sit on the end Using the SpeedTruss™ system with hinged jacks allows
wall. In these cases, it must be supported at every bottom the builder to erect and stabilise a hip end much safer and
chord panel point along its length, as it cannot act as a faster than conventional methods.
clear span truss.
The Truncated Girder (TG) is lifted into position and the
external heels fixed to the top plate with the SpeedTruss
screws.

TEMPORARY BRACING FOR GABLE END ROOF

METHOD 1 – POST WALL FRAME
TG IN POSITION WITH SPEEDTRUSS SCREWS FIXED

Then the jacks are rotated into position and fixed to the
wall plates with SpeedTruss screws.

ROOF TRUSS INSTALLATION GUIDE 8

 SECTION 3 TRUSS INSTALLATION

3.5 SUBSEQUENT TRUSSES

As each truss is installed, fix it to the top plate at the
required location, usually indicated by set-out marks or
by using a set-out rule. Use a gauging rod and ties for
spacing the trusses, and a string line along the apex to
ensure correct alignment.

It is important that trusses are lined up along the apex, not

the heels.

Multi-ply trusses must be laminated together prior to

the roof being loaded. If the truss manufacturer has
not done this at the factory, it is their responsibility to
supply the fixing information, and the erecting crew’s
responsibility to ensure that this fixing is properly
carried out.
HINGED JACK FIXED INTO POSITION

This instantly provides a stable hip end with the added 3.6 ERECTION BRACING AND
benefit that the TG is installed plumb with a high degree of TOLERANCES
accuracy.
As the trusses are erected, they must be braced
Once the hip section is installed then the additional longitudinally. This is to provide stability to the trusses
components of the hip end can easily be added and the during the erection process, and the bottom chord ties
standard trusses installed for the rest of the roof should be maintained in place after full installation is
completed.
3.4.2.2 For Hip ends and dutch gables installed
However, the temporary top chord ties may be removed
without SpeedTruss™ once the roof battens are adequately fixed in place.
On hip and Dutch gable roofs, start with the truncated
girder, apex girder or Dutch hip girder truss and brace it Refer to AS 4440-2004 for the full details for temporary
back to the corner of the building as shown. It is important bracing, however the following is a brief summary.
that this truss be correctly plumbed and aligned, as other
trusses must fit exactly up against it. TEMP BRACES ON TC
AT EACH PANEL POINT
(MAX. 3000 MM APART)
Where it is not feasible to install bracing of the first truss
in the manner described, the first two or three trusses
can be erected and cross-braced between them to form a
stable unit.

TEMP BRACES ON BC AT
EVERY MID-PANEL
(MAX. 3000 MM SPACING)

TYPICAL TEMPORARY BRACING

3.6.1 Top Chords

Temporary braces at each top chord panel point
(maximum 3000 mm apart) 50 x 25 F5 or MGP10 for truss
spacing less than 900mm or 70x35 F5 or MGP10 for truss
spacing between 900mm and 1200mm

TEMPORARY BRACING FOR HIP OR DUTCH-HIP END ROOF

9 ROOF TRUSS INSTALLATION GUIDE

SECTION 3 TRUSS INSTALLATION

3.6.2 Bottom Chords

Temporary braces at all mid-panels (maximum 3000 mm
apart), but not required for creepers, jacks, hip trusses,
Dutch hip girders and TG trusses with stations up to 3600
mm. Use 70 x 35 F5 or MGP10, fixed with 2/65 nails
or 1/65 screw per truss crossing, for truss spacing not
exceeding 1200mm.

Where the bottom chord is not laterally restrained by the

ceiling, or by battens, ie exposed trusses or suspended
ceiling, then the truss designer’s requirements must be
strictly followed.

3.6.3 Tolerances
Trusses shall be installed straight and vertical and in their
correct positions.

Bow – trusses shall be installed with bow not exceeding

the smaller of span/200 nor 50 mm.

TRUSS BOW

L (chord length)

BOW
TRUSS

L (chord length)

Plumb – trusses shall be installed so that no part of the

truss is out of plumb by more than the smaller or height/50
or 50 mm.

TRUSS
HEIGHT AT
ANY SECTION

OUT OF PLUMB
(LESSER OF 50MM
AND HEIGHT/50)

These tolerances will produce a good roof line, and

the performance of the trusses will deteriorate rapidly if
these are exceeded, producing excess deflections and
overstress in the truss.

ROOF TRUSS INSTALLATION GUIDE 10

 SECTION 4

ROOF
BRACING
4.1 GENERAL 4.3 TOP CHORDS
The following recommendations allow for bracing of the All trussed roofs require diagonal bracing to the top
roof system only and assume that the walls are stable in chords, which is typically at an angle of 30-45 degrees
their own right. to the ridge line, measured on plan. Braces should be
installed such that each main truss has a brace on it.
Bracing of the trusses is essential to prevent buckling of
members (chords and some webs), and to provide overall Bracing is best located near the ends of buildings, and will
stability to the roof under all relevant loading conditions, be installed on both sides of the ridge line. Some typical
including wind uplift where members may reverse from examples are shown here, but full details are given in
being in tension to being in compression. AS4440-2004.

Care must be taken to ensure that all supporting structure 4.3.1 Speedbrace
bracing is in place prior to the trusses being installed.
The bracing shown here is Pryda Speedbrace which has
been specifically designed for this purpose and should be
4.2 BATTENS fixed with 35 x 3.15 Pryda Timber Connector nails.

The bracing of top chords is achieved via the overlying Bend brace over truss top chord
2 Nails to
and fix with 2 nails to top chord
battens or purlins. Battens are to be nailed to both outer and 3 nails to the face top chord
laminates of any multiple ply trusses eg, double girders.

Splice locations are restricted:

• Not more than one third of the battens should be

spliced at a single truss, and there must not be two
splices adjacent to each other at any truss.
• Areas in the vicinity of the ends of gable roofs, should
be as free of splices as practical.
Steelbrace End truss of braced bay
• Splices are not permitted at girder trusses unless
approved by the truss manufacturer in writing. This
END FIXING DETAILS AT APEX
restriction does not apply to truncated girder trusses,
nor to girder trusses that are designed to have roof
plane bracing independent of the battens.
• Battens fixed to multi-ply girder trusses must be nailed
into each outer ply forming the girder truss assembly.
Note: For battens in sheet roofs, provide special splice
details as recommended by Pryda (refer Technical
PRYDA SPEEDBRACE
Update TU12).

3 nails through common

holes in overlapped ends. Top chord
2 nails to top chord
through each brace

Steelbrace
Top chord

Bend both ends of brace

Steelbrace over chord and fix with
3 nails to each face.

TYPICAL BRACING LAYOUT

(a) Lap Splice (b) Wrap Around Splice

TYPICAL SPLICE DETAILS

11 ROOF TRUSS INSTALLATION GUIDE

SECTION 4 ROOF BRACING

Masonry wall

END FIXING DETAILS FOR STEEL BEAM FIXING DETAILS FOR BRICKWALL PLATE

GIRDER TRUSS OR 4.3.2 Cantilevers

SUPPORT BEAM
STEEL BRACE It is essential that the force in the top chord bracing be
WRAPPED OVER transferred to the supporting structure. In cantilever
AND FIXED WITH
trusses, this is achieved through the use of special details
TWO NAILS TO TOP
OF TRUSS AND as shown in the diagrams.
THREE TO SIDE

TIMBER BLOCK OF SIMILAR SIZE TO TRUSS TOP

ANCHORAGE CHORD FITTED TIGHTLY BETWEEN TRUSSES. SPEEDBRACE CONTINUES TO
POINT. USE TWO NAILS TO FIX TO EACH TRUSS AND TRUSS HEEL AND FIXED WITH
BRACE THREE NAILS TO FIX TO TOP PLATE TWO NAILS TO TOP CHORD
WRAPPED. STANDARD
TRUSS

END FIXING DETAILS AT HEEL - TO GIRDER TRUSS

90X35 F5 MINIMUM TIMBER

BLOCK FIXED IN LINE WITH
THE BOTTOM OF BOTTOM
CHORD FITTED TIGHTLY
BETWEEN TRUSSES USING
PRYDA FRAMING BRACKETS
OR MULTIGRIP AS SHOWN

REFER TO AS4440 FOR END FIXING DETAILS AND FIXING TO BRICK WALL PLATE.

FIXING DETAILS FOR CANTILEVERS

END FIXING DETAILS AT HEEL - TO TOP PLATE

ROOF TRUSS INSTALLATION GUIDE 12

 SECTION 4 ROOF BRACING

4.4 BOTTOM CHORDS In addition to web ties, Pryda Web Stiffener, Tee-Stiffeners
or scabs may be also designed to brace webs.
Generally ceiling battens or ceiling fixed directly to the
underside of the bottom chords is sufficient to provide
lateral restraint against buckling.

Bottom chord ties, when used as lateral restraints,

should be fixed adequately to the supporting structure
and braced.

a. For trusses over 12 m span, or trusses where there

is no ceiling, additional bottom chord bracing will be
required.
b. Additional bottom chord bracing or a wind truss may
also be required where the ceiling diaphragm is PRYDA WEB STIFFENER
considered to be incapable of transferring racking loads
to braced walls.
c. Additional bottom chord ties and bracing are required
when ceiling is connected through metal furring
channels that are only clipped onto the bottom chord.
The truss layout should indicate details of this.
In each of these cases, the requirement must be checked
by an experienced truss designer, and the details supplied
by the truss manufacturer.
TIMBER TEE STIFFENER

4.5 WEBS 4.5.2 End Webs

All trusses with end vertical webs not intersecting with
4.5.1 Long Webs another truss, will need end web bracing similar to the top
Some webs must be braced if required by the truss chord bracing. Diagonal bracing from the top chord to the
designer. Generally this applies to long webs which are in supporting structure should be provided at each end of
compression during some part of the life of the structure. each run of trusses, and at intermediate anchorage points
(as shown) to transfer bracing loads from roof plane to
Typically this is a 70x35 F5 or MGP10 web tie located supporting wall.
mid-length of the web. By itself it does nothing, these web
90X35 F5 MINIMUM TIMBER BLOCK FIXED
ties must be cross-braced back to part of the structure that
IN LINE WITH THE TOP OF TOP CHORD
can provide adequate resistance. FITTED TIGHTLY BETWEEN TRUSSES USING
MULTIGRIP AS SHOWN
BEND BRACE OVER BEND SPEEDBRACE
CHORD AND FIX WITH OVER TIMBER BLOCK AND
TWO NAILS TO FIVE NAILS TO FACE FIXED WITH FIVE NAILS
WEB OF EACH OF CHORD. TYPICAL
INTERSECTION BOTH ENDS OF
AND TRUSS BRACE.
REFER TO AS4440
BRACES TO CROSS MIN. 70 X 35 F5 FOR FIXING TO
AT MID-LENGTH TO WEB-TIE OR AS BRICK WALL PLATE
MATCH TIE SPECIFIED, FIXED
TO EACH TRUSS BEND SPEEDBRACE TO SIDE
ANGLE OF BRACE WEB AT EVEN OF TOP PLATE AND UNDER
TO WEB TIES SHALL SPACING WITH (IF NECESSARY).
BE BETWEEN 30 TWO 65MM NAILS FIX WITH FIVE NAILS TO TOP
DEG AND 45 DEG
PLATE. NAILS SHALL NOT
BE CLOSER THAN 10 MM TO BRACING ANGLE TO BE
THE EDGE OF THE TIMBER BETWEEN 30 DEG. AND
IT IS GOOD PRACTICE TO PROVIDE A 90X35 F5 TIMBER BLOCK AT EACH ANCHORAGE 45 DEG.
POINT, TIGHTLY FITTED, TO PREVENT TRUSS CHORD FROM TWISTING.
FIXING DETAILS FOR ENDS OF CUT-OFF OR MONO TRUSSES
TYPICAL WEB BRACING AND FIXING DETAILS TYPE ENDS

13 ROOF TRUSS INSTALLATION GUIDE

SECTION 4 ROOF BRACING

TIMBER BLOCKS
FIXED IN LINE WITH
THE CHORDS FITTED
TIGHTLY BETWEEN
TRUSSES.

FIXING DETAILS TO BE
SIMILAR TO THE END OF CUT-
OFF OR MONO TRUSSES

FIXING DETAILS AT BOX GUTTER TYPE ENDS

4.6 Top Hat Construction

Truss manufacturers may choose to form a truss in two segments, Top Hat Construction, often dictated by manufacturing
or transportation restrictions. This form of construction requires special consideration, especially bracing and lateral
restraints for horizontal top chord of the lower truss. Obtain further details from your truss manufacturer.

TOP HAT TRUSSES

TOP HAT CONSTRUCTION

ROOF TRUSS INSTALLATION GUIDE 14

 SECTION 5

TRUSS
CONNECTIONS
5.1 SPEEDTRUSS SCREWS
SpeedTruss screws are pre-installed into the truss heel which makes the installation of these connections easy – just
drive the screw down until the head of the screw. makes good contact with the truss chord. Note: Do not over-drive the
screws –they do not need to be countersunk.

SPEEDTRUSS SCREW INSTALLED WITH THE SCREW HEAD IN GOOD CONTACT WITH THE TOP CHORD OF THE TRUSS. IF A SCREW
CANNOT BE INSTALLED FULLY INTO THE TOP PLATE, THEN CONTACT THE FABRICATOR THAT SUPPLIED THE TRUSSES FOR
GUIDANCE.

5.2 HIP ENDS

The details shown here are for a maximum design wind of 50 m/s (non-cyclonic). Refer to AS 4440-2004 for full details
including up to 74 m/s cyclonic.

The hip end connections provided by Pryda Build software are similar to those in AS4440-2004, but they may not be
exactly the same, as every connection is designed specifically for the conditions at each site.

The requirements called up by Pryda Build take precedence over AS4440 or any other guideline. A document (Software
Update No. 7) is available to produce to certifiers if required.

DESCRIPTION CONNECTION DETAILS

Hip truss to truncated trusses

TG HTC TG BC TG BC
HIP TC
Top chord – one Pryda Multigrip bent to suit, with
3.15 x 35 mm Pryda Connector nails into the side HIP BC

of each top chord for truncated girder.

DETAIL A1

Bottom chord – three effective flat-head 65 mm

nails.

JACK TC
TG HTC
Jack truss to truncated girder truss TG BC

Top chord – one Pryda Multigrip bent to suit, with

3.15 x 35 mm Pryda Connector nails into the side
of each top chord for truncated girder. JACK BC

Bottom chord – three effective flat-head 65 mm

nails each side of jack truss.

TG BC
TG BC JACK BC DETAIL B1

15 ROOF TRUSS INSTALLATION GUIDE

SECTION 5 TRUSS CONNECTIONS

JACK TC
Extended jack truss top chord to truncated TS HTC
standard trusses

Two 65 mm skew nails into the side of each top

chord. DETAIL C1

Creeper truss to hip truss

(maximum jack station 1800mm) CREEPER TC
CREEPER BC

Top chord – three effective flat-head 65 mm nails

through jack truss top chord into hip truss top chord. WEB
HIP TC HIP BC

CREEPER TC

Bottom chord – three effective flat-head 65 mm CREEPER BC

DETAIL D1
nails through jack truss bottom chord into hip truss
bottom chord.

Creeper truss to hip truss

(maximum jack station 3000mm) CREEPER TC

CREEPER BC
Top chord – three effective flat-head 65 mm nails
through jack truss top chord into hip truss top chord WEB
HIP TC
HIP BC
PLUS one mitre plate with 3.15 x 35 mm Pryda CREEPER TC

Connector nails to each chord. CREEPER BC

DETAIL E1

Bottom chord – three effective flat-head 65 mm

nails through jack truss bottom chord into hip truss
bottom chord.

CONNECTION DETAILS – HIP-END TRUSSES FOR WIND CLASSIFICATION N1, N2, N3 OR C1

(REFER AS4440 FOR DETAILS IN N4, C2 OR C3)

ROOF TRUSS INSTALLATION GUIDE 16

 SECTION 5 TRUSS CONNECTIONS

5.3 GIRDERS 5.3.2 Dutch Hip Girders

The waling plate must be fixed to the Dutch hip girder
Where a girder truss is utilised to support the standard truss in accordance with the details supplied by the truss
trusses perpendicular to it, they must be connected to the manufacturer.
girder with special devices which:
REFER TO TRUSS LAYOUT
a. Support the loads. OR DETAIL SHEET FOR
FIXING REQUIREMENT, USING
b. Prevent separation of the girder bottom chord away NAILS OR SCREWS (TYPICAL) WALING
from the standard trusses. PLATE
c. Prevent rotational force being applied to the standard
truss.

DOUBLE OR SINGLE GIRDER TRUSS

DUTCH HIP GIRDER FITTED WITH WALING PLATE
GIRDER BRACKET
FOR BOLTING
AND/OR 5.4 GABLE-END TRUSSES
NAILING DETAILS,
REFER TO Special care shall be taken to ensure face wind loads from
MANUFACTURER’S
SPECIFICATIONS end wall are not applied directly on the gable-end truss.
STANDARD TRUSS Refer to Pryda’s publication on “Gable-end Framing” for
further details.
TENSION STRAP TO RESTRAIN BOTTOM CHORD TWIST OR
BUILT-IN ANTI-ROTATION FLANGE TO BE NAILED TO UNDERSIDE
OF GIRDER AND CARRIED TRUSS
5.5 VALLEYS
STANDARD TRUSS BOOT AND ANTI-TWIST BRACING
Where overlying members sit on the top chord of a truss,
5.3.1 Main Girders the nominated top chord restraint must still be maintained.
Supported trusses may be fixed to the girder truss by This can be achieved with careful detailing as shown here.
Pryda products. The truss manufacturer will generally
supply the appropriate bracket for each connection, or WHERE TRUSS SPACING IS GREATER THAN ROOF
BATTEN CENTRES, INTERMEDIATE TOP CHORD TIES
otherwise specify. It is important to fix the truss boot SHALL BE REQUIRED
properly, ie including fixing to incoming trusses, prior to
roof being loaded. Otherwise bottom chord rotation can
occur. VALLEY TRUSS VALLEY TRUSS

SUPPORTING TRUSS
TOP CHORD

MIN. 35 X 45 TIMBER
LEDGER, OR BLOCK,
FIXED TO TOP CHORD
ALTERNATIVELY, ONE FRAMING
ANCHOR WITHOUT TIMBER LEDGE

HEAVY DUTY TRUSS BOOT

ONE EFFECTIVE 65MM SKEW NAIL
DRIVEN THROUGH VALLEY TRUSS BOTTOM CHORD
INTO SUPPORTINGTRUSS TOP CHORD

FIXING DETAILS FOR VALLEY TRUSSES

STANDARD TRUSS BOOT

17 ROOF TRUSS INSTALLATION GUIDE

SECTION 5 TRUSS CONNECTIONS

5.6 OVERHANGS 5.6.2 Verge Overhangs

It is important that overhangs are supported as intended

by the truss designer. Refer to AS4440-2004 for full
details.

5.6.1 Strutted Overhangs (Boxed Eaves)

STRUTTED OUTRIGGERS
OVERHANG

Struts at hip corners and other areas must be fixed

in accordance with the details supplied by the truss
manufacturer.

BLOCK

ZED SPROCKETS

ROOF TRUSS INSTALLATION GUIDE 18

www.pryda.com.au www.pryda.co.nz
For more information call 1300 657 052 (Australia), 0800 88 22 44 (New Zealand) or email [email protected]
VER MAY 2020