51+ Shed Roof Truss Spacing Chart ~ Download Shed Plans More

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Opening Building your own shed can be a rewarding experience, saving you money and allowing for customization. A critical component of any shed is the roof, and the roof's strength and stability rely heavily on properly spaced trusses. This guide will provide a step-by-step process for building your own shed roof trusses and determining the appropriate spacing for them.

Materials and Tools Before you begin, gather the necessary materials and tools:

Lumber (2x4s or 2x6s depending on your shed size and snow load)
Plywood gussets (for connecting truss members)
Construction adhesive
Galvanized nails or screws
Measuring tape
Pencil
Circular saw or hand saw
Speed square or framing square
Safety glasses
Work gloves
Work bench or flat, level surface

Step 1: Design and Plan The first step is to design your truss. Consider the following factors:

Shed Span: The width of your shed determines the length of your truss.
Roof Pitch: The slope of your roof affects the height of the truss. A common pitch is 4/12 (4 inches of rise for every 12 inches of run).
Local Building Codes: Research local building codes to ensure your truss design meets requirements for snow load, wind resistance, and other factors.

Draw a detailed diagram of your truss, including all dimensions and angles. Online truss calculators can assist with determining optimal dimensions and angles based on your specific needs.

Step 2: Cut the Lumber Using your truss diagram as a guide, carefully measure and cut all the lumber pieces needed for one truss. These pieces will include:

Top chords (2 pieces)
Bottom chord (1 piece)
Web members (number and configuration vary depending on truss design)

Ensure all cuts are accurate and clean for a strong and stable truss. Use the first set of pieces you cut as templates for the rest to ensure uniformity.

Step 3: Assemble the Truss Lay out all the cut lumber pieces on your work surface, positioning them according to your truss diagram. Apply construction adhesive to all joints where the lumber pieces will meet. Then, securely fasten the pieces together using galvanized nails or screws. Pre-drilling pilot holes can prevent the wood from splitting, especially when using screws.

Step 4: Attach Plywood Gussets Cut plywood gussets to cover all the joints where the truss members meet. Apply construction adhesive to both sides of the gusset and position it over the joint. Securely nail or screw the gusset to the lumber, ensuring the fasteners are evenly spaced and penetrate deep enough into the wood. Gussets provide added strength and stability to the truss.

Step 5: Repeat for Remaining Trusses Repeat steps 2-4 to build the remaining trusses for your shed roof. It's essential to create identical trusses for uniform roof support. Double-check all measurements and connections to maintain consistency.

Step 6: Determine Truss Spacing This is a critical step that affects the roof's structural integrity. The spacing between trusses depends on several factors:

Truss Design: The strength of your truss design.
Lumber Size: The size of lumber used for both the trusses and the roof sheathing.
Roof Sheathing Thickness: The thickness and type of sheathing (e.g., plywood, OSB).
Snow Load: The amount of snow your roof is expected to bear.
Wind Load: The force of wind your roof is likely to encounter.

Generally, a spacing of 24 inches on center (OC) is common for sheds in areas with moderate snow loads and using 2x4 trusses with standard sheathing. However, in areas with heavy snow or strong winds, or when using thinner lumber or sheathing, a closer spacing of 16 inches OC or even 12 inches OC may be necessary. Consult local building codes and truss span tables for specific recommendations in your region. A structural engineer can provide the most accurate and reliable guidance.

Step 7: Install the Trusses Once your trusses are built and you've determined the correct spacing, you can install them on your shed.

Lift each truss into place, ensuring it's plumb and level.
Temporarily brace the trusses to hold them upright until they are permanently secured.
Attach the trusses to the top plate of the shed walls using metal connectors or by nailing/screwing through the truss into the top plate.
Ensure the trusses are spaced evenly according to your determined spacing.
Install purlins (horizontal supports) between the trusses to provide additional support for the roof sheathing.

Conclusion Building your own shed roof trusses can be a challenging but rewarding project. By following these steps and carefully considering factors like truss design, lumber size, and local building codes, you can create a strong and durable roof for your shed. Remember to prioritize safety throughout the process and consult with a professional if you have any doubts or concerns. Correct truss spacing is paramount for the long-term stability and safety of your shed.