Roof trusses manufacturers in San Diego often receive questions about what happens after the trusses have been manufactured and installed. For example, can a broken or damaged truss be repaired or replaced easily and cost-effectively? Is it better to simply remove the damaged truss and replace it with a stick-built rafter? Which method gives better long-term stability and strength?
Obviously, the answers to these questions will depend on the individual situation. However, there are some general guidelines that can help determine whether or not a truss can be repaired.
Truss Damage: Three Methods of Repair
One of the best things About Trusses is their durability. They are not as likely to break or crack under pressure as single rafters, so they tend to hold up better in bad weather and other disasters. However, any truss can be damaged by water leaks or insect intrusion, so it is possible that a truss might need, at some point, to be repaired or replaced.
Fortunately, trusses are engineered to offer flexibility. There are at least three options for repairing a truss; each method must be evaluated according to the type and extent of damage to the truss itself.
● Inserting blocks between top and bottom chords. In some cases, simply sistering a block to shore up the damaged area may be enough to restore a truss’s stability. Known as “squash blocks,” these are some of the simplest repairs and, if used in areas where load is not overpowering, can last for many years. These blocks are typically held in place with extra gussets, or metal plates, that provide additional stability.
● Removing and replacing individual members. If the damage is confined to a single member of the truss, it is sometimes possible to simply remove that member and replace it with a new one. This is often done if water damage is serious but confined to a very small area of the truss, and is usually an option if the exterior frame of the truss is damage free. As with squash blocks, the new member is secured with new gussets to give added strength. It is very important to use material of at least as high a quality as the original to replace the member, however; using lower-quality wood could create a weak spot in the truss itself.
● Removing and replacing the truss. A truss may sometimes have to be replaced completely. When this happens, it is often possible to open the roof at that location and remove the damaged truss, then slide the new one into place and secure it. Of course, if the bottom plate that holds the truss in place is also damaged, this may not be possible. However, in cases in which serious damage is done to only one or two trusses, it may be the most cost-effective way to repair the roof.
It is always important to remember that any type of repair or replacement of original trusses should be done with the help of a knowledgeable professional. Load bearing considerations and other factors make it difficult for the do-it-your selfer to replace trusses and ensure the integrity of the roof.
At Stone Truss, we have been working with those looking for a “truss company near me” to order roof or floor trusses in San Diego for decades. We manufacture and deliver high-quality truss products throughout the area. Give us a call today to see how we can help you with your building project!