 
What Is
A Floor Truss?
A floor truss is a geometric design using wood members fastened together
with metal connector plates to form a structure which supports a given
floor load.
Are floor
trusses something new?
No. Florida Forest Products has been building trusses for over 15 years.
What is
new about them?
Almost universal acceptance of 4" x 2" floor trusses as an
excellent method of floor construction.
Why have
they become so popular lately?
There are numerous answers to this question, however, the most important
are the many cost saving benefits.
What are
some of the advantages of 4x2 floor trusses?
- Longer clear
spans.
- In many cases,
elimination of support beams.
- Floor uniformity.
- Virtual elimination
of squeaks.
- Reduced sound
transmission.
- Widerspacing.
- Lower costs
for sub-contractors.
- Greater nailing
area for sub-flooring.
- Finished basement
ceilings.
- Elimination
of unsightly electrical wires, plumbing, and heating eyesores.
- Speed of installation.
- Size of rooms
not limited by joist span tables.
- Accurate costing.
How does
a 12" deep floor truss spaced 24" on center compare in span
to a 2"x 8" joist 16" on center?
Using a 55 psf load for the 4" x 2" floor truss and a 40 psf
load for the 2" x 8" joists, you can span approximately 17
feet with the trusses and 13-feet, seven inches with the 2" x 8"s,
depending on the grade of lumber used.
Do floor trusses deflect a lot?
NO! Floor trusses are not permitted to deflect more than 1/360 of the
span length when under full load. To offset even this tiny deflection,
camber is built into the truss. In addition, all A&R floor trusses
are designed at L/480 which stiffens the floor even more.
How are
floor trusses manufactured?
In shops specifically set up to produced uniform, quality floor trusses.
Trusses are assembled and clamped in jig tables. Metal connector plates
are then either rolled or pressed into the truss at the joints using
special truss manufacturing equipment. After the truss is fabricated,
clamps are released and the truss is ejected from the jig.
Are floor
trusses designed by the trial and error method?
No... Floor truss configurations are designed and certified by either
a registered engineer or registered architect.
What does
an engineer or architect do with floor trusses?
Many things, however, basically they analyze the structure for span
length, depth of trusses permitted, and loads that the trusses are to
carry. They also evaluate special conditions such as stair and chimney
openings, cantilevers, placement of exterior and interior walls, etc.
Then, the truss is designed reflecting type of material, web placement,
and plate sizes so that the truss meets all conditions requested.
Are floor
trusses easy to install?
Yes . . . particularly on single story structures where the trusses
can be erected and placed manually. On multiple story structures, a
crane is usually used to lift the trusses to the desired height.
Are floor
trusses heavy and unwieldy?
No... the approximate weight of a 12" high floor truss is five
pounds per linear foot. Therefore, a 20-foot truss that is 12"
deep would weigh about 100 pounds - a weight easily managed by one or
two men. In addition, because of the open web design, there are always
ample hand gripping areas.
Is cross
bridging required?
A 2" x 6" continuous strongback is used in place of cross
bridging. This helps distribute the load to five to seven trusses instead
of only two to three trusses as bridging does.
Bridging and bracing
are not the responsibility of the truss designer or metal truss connector
plate supplier.
What kind
of lumber is used in floor trusses?
Only the finest lumber available as listed in the "National Design
Specification" manuals for stress graded lumber.
How much
nailing surface is available on the trusses?
Because the lumber is used flat, both the top and bottom chords of the
truss have 3 1/2 inches of nailing surface the full length of the truss.
Are stairwell
openings difficult to do?
No. Several methods can be used to address stair openings. Consult Florida
Forest Products when stair openings are a consideration.
Do contractors
and builders like floor trusses?
Like anything different or new, the first job ordered may produce some
skepticism. But after that, few contractors or builders return to the
use of floor joists.
How about
the ultimate consumer?
Builders who use floor trusses often state that consumers are delighted
their basements are void of beams, posts, etc., and that in effect are
complete living areas.
What steel
is used in the connector plates?
The only steel permitted for use is metal connector plates by the Truss
Plate Institute and all government regulatory agencies is top quality,
prime galvanized steel. No seconds or reject steel is permitted.
How do we
know the firm we are buying floor trusses from is qualified, reliable
and reputable?
Florida Forest Products has been servicing our customers for 27 years.
We pride ourselves in the quality of our product. You have our assurance
that you will be entirely satisfied with our product,
or we'll be there to help you.
Click
here to request a quote
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