Storage Shed Truss Question

[Mike Goetzke]

I'm lengthening my storage shed by about 4'. I have an accurate truss layout but was wondering the best way to mend the components. The current trusses use what I think is called mending or truss plates. Guess I can use the same but from my little research these are usually installed with a hydraulic press (although I see some YT videos where some tried using a big hammer). I do have a DominoXL I could use too. I also have a Kreg jig for jointing 2x lumber.

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Any help appreciated.

 

[squall_line]

I've built pseudo-trusses with truss plates and a regular everyday hammer.  Granted, that was out of 1x3s and 1x4s, but most pine nowadays is soft enough that the plates can get plenty of insertion depth and purchase.

I only used these to stabilize a cheap metal tube wardrobe, so there was no load to speak of and I paid no attention to any sort of engineering requirements for the type and location of the plates at the time.

 

[Sparktrician]

The last time I built trusses, we used plywood gusset sandwich plates on both sides of the trusses, glued and screwed in place from both sides to assure consistency of angles for the length of the structure.  Today I'd do the same, and for the screws, I'd use GRK RSS screws in the appropriate length.  Some localities may require an engineer's certification of the design.  YMMV... 

 

[Cheese]

I used tie plates rather than mending plates. I always considered mending plates needed to be installed with the proper hydraulic/rolling equipment.

I used tie plates on both sides with GRK screws and PL 400 adhesive.

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[Packard]

Simpson Strong Tie has extensive installation information, including online courses on the use of their products. 

I do believe that the prong system was developed to speed up the process of factory produced trusses.  It replaced the hammer driven nails.  I am fairly certain that the older method is still being used. 

See Simpson’s site for more information:
https://www.strongtie.com/woodconnectors/landing-page#resources

 

[Peter Kelly]

1/2 inch plywood gussets attached with structural screws. Can add construction adhesive but it probably isn't necessary with something small like a shed.

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[Packard]

1/2 inch plywood gussets attached with structural screws. Can add construction adhesive but it probably isn't necessary with something small like a shed.

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I would only add that “structural screws” are not “construction screws”.  Simpson sells structural screws and there are others that do too.  Don’t let anyone tell you that construction screws (or drywall screws!!!) are just as good.

However, heavy gage hot dipped galvanized nails are strong enough to handle the shear strength.  Do not accept cold galvanized nails.  The zinc is not well-adhered to the steel and simply hammering the head will often cause the zinc to flake off.

The “why” of this is that a 0.187” diameter nail that fits in the 0.200” diameter hole has a shaft diameter of 0.187”.  But a screw that will have a major diameter of 0.187”, will have a shaft diameter of approximately 0.160” and will have been work-hardened during the thread rolling operation.  So not only is the shaft diameter of the screw smaller, the steel is far more brittle.

Use nails or screws specifically designed for mending plates.

 

[squall_line]

Keep in mind that, if the work requires any sort of permit and inspection, then the correct answer to "the best way" is "however the inspector says they'll approve it."

 

[Packard]

My question for Mike is, “How are you going to hoist these up and wrestle them in place?”

I imagine these are big enough and heavy enough that should be resolved before making these structures.

 

[Sparktrician]

I'm lengthening my storage shed by about 4'.

 

This is a shed extension, [member=74278]Packard[/member], not a two-story residence.  Three men can easily handle lifting trusses made on the ground.  YMMV... 

 

[Mike Goetzke]

Thanks for all the help. Guess Dominos are not ideal for this application. Will use tie or mending plates. The mending plates have survived about 30 years in the current shed.

 

[DeejayK]

Hi,
After a few years in the refurbishment business in the U.K. I would suggest looking at Simpson Strong-tie nailing plates with square fix nails (these come in different gauges). You need to fill all the holes. These have structural properties which can be proven (if required) although plywood gussets as previously mentioned have always stood the test of time. Good luck!