Watch the video on Wood Floor Truss Systems.
TV buffs of the 1970s will remember the opening lines of the "Six Million Dollar Man" show. The promise to make Steve Austin "better than he was before.
Better... stronger... faster," with technology seemed fantastic.
Builders might keep that opening statement in mind when choosing a floor truss system. When compared to traditional beam construction, manufactured wood floor truss systems are better, stronger, and can be installed faster.
A manufactured truss is an engineered structural component assembled from wood members, metal connector plates and other mechanical fasteners. The truss members form a semi-rigid structural framework and are assembled such that the members form triangles. Most builders are familiar with roof truss systems, but may not realize the advantages of a manufactured floor truss system.
The benefits of manufactured wood truss floor systems are many. Floor trusses can span great distances, creating larger open spaces below unobstructed by columns and partitions. Also, the open web design allows for the trusses to expand and contract with humidity and heat. This can help ensure greater long-term stability and reduce the chance of annoying floor squeaks.
The truss systems are quicker and easier to install than traditional floor joists, and because they're manufactured in controlled environments, there's less chance of warping, shrinking, and twisting of lumber. Manufactured floor truss systems also save timber resources by reducing the amount of waste wood generated during construction.
The manufacturing process is simple and offers the builder plenty of time- and cost-saving resources along the way. Here's how it works:
- House plans are sent by the builder to the wood floor truss manufacturer. There are dozens of truss manufacturers operating nationwide, but builders should research the quality and delivery costs before choosing a vendor.
- The manufacturer determines what loads need to be supported within the home, how many trusses will be required, and their specific placement in the home.
- The manufacturer then builds the trusses, numbers them for accurate installation, and ships them to the builder on the jobsite.
- A detailed diagram with the placements of the trusses is sent along with the trusses to help the builder place the trusses exactly where they should be installed.
Once the trusses are on the site, the builder can really start to see the benefits. The consistent size and height of the manufactured floor joist will mean easier subfloor material installation, and the open web design allows for utilities to be run between in the floor system without drilling or cutting holes. These benefits will reduce the amount of time trade contractors spend on site, speed up construction, and ultimately save the builder money.
Though manufactured wood truss systems can't run 50 miles per hour, hit a golf ball 3,000 yards, or lift a 1978 Gremlin, the technology used makes them a superior choice for builders looking to streamline construction and provide a higher quality home to their customers. All at a cost under six million dollars.
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