Question 1

How do I know what materials I'll need

Accepted Answer

Send us some basic information and we can use our simple spreadsheet to generate a standing roof materials list. Email - VATrussSupply@gmail.comInfo needed - Is this for Residential or Agricultural …. Will it need to be permitted?- Gable End Width 8-70ft in 2 ft increments (Outside to Outside) - Length of the structure - Will this be built on a concrete slab or will the posts be buried - Target Wall Height - Add some contact info Request a copy of the spreadsheet on the "Contact" page

Question 2

How far apart are the posts?

Accepted Answer

Posts are installed every 8ft to 10ft for our standard system. The exact post spacing is often decided by the length of the 2x6 purlins unless each purlin is being precut to size.  Example: If you are working with a sawmill and they can supply 10’2” purlins then that would be the posts center to center mark. For Agricultural use you can increase the spacing to say 12ft. The risk is a long 2x6 may start to sag. If spacing 12ft you may want to increase purlin size to 2x8's to carry the load over the increased span.

Question 3

Do I need a header board?

Accepted Answer

The structure load is placed upon #1 or #2 prime 6x6 or 8x8 Pressure Treated posts. So, there is no need for a header band, all the weight sits on top of the posts Exceptions - Our system is designed for up to a 20ft wall height. If exceeding that height, the local code may require a header "band" to reduce the risk of the posts twisting or bowing • Always refer to local Inspectors / Building Codes

Question 4

What is the wind load? 100, 110, or 130mph"

Accepted Answer

All trusses are manufactued to a 110mph wind load.If 130mph is needed or desired that can be changed in the order for an upcharge.- Enginerring specs are available upon request with your order.

Question 5

What is the snow load?

Accepted Answer

Our standard gable trusses are generelaly built to a 20psf Snow Load. 
- Dead and Live loads combined is the 32 lb/sf often advertised
Snow loads can be increased by 
- Reducing the post spacing
- Increaaseing the Purlin specs from 2x6 to 2x8 
- Bracing 
I also did a quick write-up - https://www.truss.supply/post/the-story-with-snow-loads

Question 6

What are the specs on the roofing?

Accepted Answer

Metal Roofing Options: 
40 yr. Painted Panel – Tuf-Rib Profile
The panel profile is formed 28 gauge high-tensile strength steel, 36" Width, and is perfect for residential and Agricultural applications. 
Galvalume
We roll form 28-gauge Galvalume panel which is our most economical product and has a 25-yr. warranty. 
PBR 
We stock 26 gauge panel 36" width  in Limited Colors (Green, White, Light Stone, and Galvalume)
All roofing is built to order and may have an additional lead time. 
Also available colored Woodtite Screws #10 Diameter 1/4" Head 
250 per bag 
2" or 1 1/2" screws.

Question 7

Can this be built on a concrete slab?

Accepted Answer

Yes 
Building over an existing slab is a common situation. 
We recommend using our Forever Post Mounts. 
They come in a 6x6 or 8x8 configuration
Concrete lags are used to anchor the mounts and each post can be thrubolted. We also have a lag bolt hole predrilled for initial placement
We also have a WetSet option for setting in a new slab or Sonotube

Please note you may still need footings under the slab given these posts will create a point load.

Question 8

Do I set my posts in Concrete?

Accepted Answer

This is not a “concrete” answer … lol 
Always follow your local building codes. 
The #1 goal when setting posts is to ensure the posts are firmly in the ground or securely fastened with lateral support. 
Rule of thumb …. ensure you exceed 20% of the post in the ground 
If on a slab we recommend our forever posts
Now onto the Concrete question
This will be dependent on your soil type and local codes. 
In most cases gravel in the bottom of the hole for drainage and packed gravel/soil around the pole will provide a solid base. 
If concrete is desired / required 
If you must put in a footer it’s recommended the post be set on gravel on top of the footer to ensure drainage. And often the packed gravel method is used to set the post
If a footer is not required you will still provide the packed gravel base for the post and then add the concrete for setting …again allowing for some drainage. (In this situation you may consider adding additional wood treatment to the posts to reduce rot given the concrete will always want to transfer moisture to the wood.)

Question 9

How do I get the trusses?

Accepted Answer

Got a trailer? Local pick-up is a great option - Use 327 Royals Rd. North, Va. 23128 in your GPS. Pick-ups are by appointment.Locally we deliver for $4.00/mile from 23128Commercial shipping has more options .... I did a quick write-up - https://www.truss.supply/post/the-story-with-snow-loads

Truss Supply

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