Installation Guidelines for

Timber Roof Trusses

May 2009

SECTION 1
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7

SCOPE AND GENERAL

GENERAL
APPLICATION
DOCUMENTATION
SERVICES
ANCILLARY TIMBER
TRANSPORT AND STORAGE
SAFETY

1.2
APPLICATION
This document intends to apply to nailplate timber trusses
within the following general limitations :a) Residential structures and light commercial
structures
b) Maximum roof pitch 45 degrees
c) Maximum truss span 16m
d) Maximum design wind speed of 70m /sec for
limit state design methods.

SECTION 2
2.1
2.2
2.3

SUPPORTING STRUCTURE
GENERAL
LOAD-BEARING WALLS
NON-LOAD-BEARING WALLS

1.3
DOCUMENTATION
It is the builders responsibility to supply all of the relevant
information required for the truss designs. It is recommended
that the fabricator confirms all details prior to manufacture.

SECTION 3
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6

TRUSS INSTALLATION
GENERAL
SET OUT
LIFTING
FIRST TRUSS
SUBSEQUENT TRUSSES
ERECTION BRACING AND TOLERANCES

SECTION 4
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5

ROOF BRACING
GENERAL
BATTENS
TOP CHORDS
BOTTOM CHORDS
WEBS

1.3.1 Layout
A roof truss layout must be determined prior to erection,
with the following points considered :
a) Check dimensions of the supporting structure prior to
manufacture
b) Check the truss layout to identify the trusses
c) Check that the supporting structure is adequate for
the loads to be applied, especially where girder trusses
are located, and lintels
d) Check that information on roof bracing, bottom chord
bracing (including the need for BC ties, if applicable)
and any other applied loading on the roof is provided.
e) Check that information on truss to truss connections,
tie-downs, web-ties, scabs etc is provided clearly on
the layout.

SECTION 5
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5

TRUSS CONNECTIONS
GENERAL
HIP ENDS
GIRDERS
VALLEYS
OVERHANGS

CONTENTS

SECTION 1

SCOPE AND GENERAL

1.1
GENERAL
Timber roof trusses are engineered and manufactured to
an exacting standard which require special handling, erection and bracing techniques. To ensure that the expected
performance is achieved, it is imperative that all relevant
parties are familiar with the requirements set out in this
document.

Typical Truss Layout

The guidelines in this document are a sub-set

of the full Australian Standard AS4440-2004 Installation of nailplated timber trusses, and as
such should be read in conjunction with this
Standard.
Pryda Australia acknowledges Standards Australia for
permission to reproduce some of the drawings and
technical content from within AS4440-2004.
Gable End
2

Installation Guidlines For Timber Roof Trusses (to be read in conjunction with AS4440-2004) May 2009

1.5
ANCILLARY TIMBER
Check that adequate ancillary timber is available where
required (eg for temporary bracing).
1.6
TRANSPORT AND STORAGE
During transportation, in either the flat or upright positions,
the trusses must be fully supported, taking care whilst tying down to avoid putting undue strain on the truss members. Trusses should be stored on the job site clear of the
ground and kept flat to avoid distortion. All trusses should
be inspected on delivery, and any damaged trusses reported to the fabricator immediately to ensure correct rectification.
Hip End
Trusses must not be modified on site without the prior
written approval from the fabricator.
1.7
SAFETY
The installation of timber roof trusses must adhere to the
relevant safety work practices for the general construction
of roofs. This will require that barriers or safety lines be
installed at the appropriate time. These systems must not
modify the trusses, not put loads onto the trusses, unless
prior written approval is provided by the fabricator.

SECTION 2
Dutch Hip End

Notes:
1. S/F in the above illustrations refers to structural
fascia, which is mandatory at corners.
2. The immediate support structure of trusses
should be checked for adequacy.
3. Refer Section 5 for all connection details and
Section 4 for bracing information.
1.4
SERVICES
1.4.1
Hot Water Services
Hot water services are best supported directly on internal
walls, but where this is not possible, and the trusses are
required to carry this load, the trusses either side of the
service may be spaced up to double the normal spacing,
up to a maximum of 1800mm, with a double laminated
truss either side of this service. In this case the service
must be located midway between these two double trusses,
sitting on bearers located within 300mm of a truss bottom
chord panel point.
1.4.2
Solar Hot Water Services
For solar powered hot water services, with internally or externally mounted water storage tanks, refer to the truss
fabricator for appropriate details.

SUPPORTING STRUCTURE

2.1
GENERAL
To ensure a satisfactory roof line on completion, the supporting structure must be plumb, and the load bearing top
plates level. It is particularly important to maintain level
when the trusses are supported on more than two walls. If
a camber had been inadvertently provided at an internal
supporting wall, insert packers prior to loading to ensure
fully bearing at this support.
Care must be taken to ensure that the supporting structure
is adequately designed and stable in its own right.
All trusses are to be fixed to the supporting structure with
appropriate fixings, typically Pryda Multigrips, etc. The
selection of the fixing depends on the magnitude of the
wind uplift. Refer to Section 5 for details.
4 nails

2 nails
4 nails
2 nails per leg

Multigrip (MG)
4 or 6 nails
per leg as
specified

2 nails per leg

4 nails per leg

to underside

Cyclone Strap
fixed to side eg:
QHS6

Cyclone Strap wrapped

under eg: QHS6(wr)
Installation Guidlines For Timber Roof Trusses (to be read in conjunction with AS4440-2004)

May 2009

2.2
LOAD-BEARING WALLS
This is where the full load from the roof trusses is supported
on walls - generally the exterior perimeter walls, but may
occasionally also include some internal walls.

2.3.1 Fixing to top plates of non-load-bearing walls

a) Bracing wall

Refer to AS1684 2006 Residential Timber-framed Construction for the plate, stud and lintel sizes and installation
details. Heavy, concentrated loads such as from girders
and truncated girders are best supported directly over studs,
with special attention given to the load pathway all the way
down the structure to the foundations.

2.2.1
Lintels
Lintels must be correctly sized and supported in order to
limit deflection. Lintels supporting heavy, concentrated loads
will require a specific engineering design.

2.3
NON-LOAD-BEARING WALLS
Non-load-bearing walls shall not carry any truss loading at
any time, and shall not be packed to touch the underside
of the truss. It is common to set non-load-bearing walls
lower than the supporting walls by an amount equal to the
depth of the ceiling battens plus 10mm. The truss is still
required to stabilize the top of the wall, and this is done by
using Pryda Partition Hitches which are nailed near the top
of the vertical slots. Do not embed the nail heads fully home,
as we must allow the truss to settle downwards as time
passes and the camber comes out of the truss.

b) Non-bracing wall

If internal walls are required for support, the truss itself and the layout shall be marked accordingly, and
this intention must be made very clear. The supporting structure, including footings, should be checked
by the builder to allow for this load.
For a wall that is not designated as a bracing unit,
the top plate
of such walls shall be stabilised at 1800mm centres
maximum..

Installation Guidlines For Timber Roof Trusses (to be read in conjunction with AS4440-2004) May 2009

SECTION 3

TRUSS INSTALLATION

3.1
GENERAL
The following recommendations are guidelines only, as the
details are the responsibility of the roof truss erectors. Also
refer to the Australian Standard AS4440-2004 Installation of nailplated timber trusses for greater detail.
3.2
SET OUT
Prior to lifting any truss into place, it is often convenient to
mark out the truss locations on the top plate, using the
supplied truss layout for reference.
Girder and truncated girder trusses should be set out first
as they have specific, fixed locations. Dual purpose trusses
such as truncated girder / girders need special attention
as they may appear similar to other trusses which must
not be used accidentally instead.
Standard trusses must then be set out, taking care not to
exceed the design spacing. Generally they would be evenly
set out over runs of similar trusses. But it is also acceptable
to space them at the design spacing and have a closing
gap smaller than this - adjacent to a more heavily loaded
truss, if possible.
A gauging rod is very useful for setting out trusses.

3.3
LIFTING
Trusses must always be lifted in a manner that minimises
lateral bending stresses. It is preferable that they be kept
strapped in bundles until they are erected, as this reduces
the chances of damage.
Trusses may be lifted either by crane, or manually. The
choice will depend on the truss weight and wall height.
They should be maintained in a vertical plane as much a
possible when being handled individually.

When positioning multiple span or cantilever trusses,

take care that they are the correct way around. Such
trusses will have markings on the bottom chord
showing the point of internal support.

Trusses lifted by crane require slings or spreader bars as

shown in the diagrams. Where trusses are place in bundles
directly onto the top plate, it is imperative that they are
supported by internal walls and that the supporting structure
is stable in its own right.
When erected manually, they may be slid flat over the
side walls on skids spread at 3m intervals, then rotated
vertically into position supported at the apex and panel
points to ensure that they do not distort or sag between
supports during this process.

Installation Guidlines For Timber Roof Trusses (to be read in conjunction with AS4440-2004)

May 2009

3.4
FIRST TRUSS
3.4.1
Gable roofs
On gable roofs, start with the gable truss which is located
over or just inside the end wall. Then brace it back to the
ground, or to some other stable part of the structure.
Some gable end trusses are designed to sit on the
end wall. In these cases, it must be supported at every
bottom chord panel point along its length, as it cannot
act as a clear span truss.

3.4.2
Hip and Dutch gable roofs
On hip and Dutch gable roofs, start with the truncated girder,
apex girder or Dutch hip girder truss and brace it back to
the corner of the building as shown. It is important that this
truss be correctly plumbed and aligned, as other trusses
must fit exactly up against it.
Where it is not feasible to install bracing of the first truss in
the manner described, the first two or three trusses can be
erected and cross-braced between them to form a stable
unit.

3.5
SUBSEQUENT TRUSSES
As each truss is installed, fix it to the top plate at the
required location, usually indicated by setout marks, or by
using a setout rule. Use a gauging rod and ties for spacing
the trusses, and a string line along the apex to ensure
correct alignment.
It is important that trusses are lined up along the apex,
not the heels.
Any multiple ply trusses must be fixed together prior
to being put unto position. If the truss fabricator has
not done this at the factory, it is his responsibility to
provide the information for fixings trusses together,
and the erecting crews responsibility to ensure that
this fixing is properly carried out.

Installation Guidlines For Timber Roof Trusses (to be read in conjunction with AS4440-2004) May 2009

3.6
ERECTION BRACING AND TOLERANCES
As the trusses are erected, they must be braced
longitudinally. This is to provide stability to the trusses during
the erection process, and the bottom chord ties should be
maintained in place after full installation is completed.
However, the temporary top chord ties may be removed
once the roof battens are adequately fixed in place.
Refer to AS 4440-2004 for the full details for temporary
bracing, however the following is a brief summary.

These tolerances will produce a good roof line, and the

performance of the trusses will deteriorate rapidly if these
are exceeded, producing excess deflections and overstress
in the truss.

SECTION 4

ROOF BRACING

4.1
GENERAL
The following recommendations allow for bracing of the roof
system only and assume that the walls are stable in their
own right.

3.6.1
Top chords
Temporary braces at each top chord panel point.
(maximum 3.0m apart).
50 x 25 F5 or MGP10 for heavy, tiled roofs
70x35 F5 or MGP10 for light, steel roofs
3.6.2
Bottom chords
Temporary braces at all mid-panels (maximum 3.5m apart),
but not required for creepers, jacks, hip trusses, Dutch hip
girders and TG trusses with stations up to 3.6m. Use 70 x
35 F5 or better, fixed with 2/65 nails or 1/65 screw per
truss crossing.
Where the bottom chord is not laterally restrained by the
ceiling, or by battens, ie exposed trusses or suspended
ceiling, then the truss designers requirements must be
strictly followed.
3.6.3
Tolerances
Trusses shall be installed straight and vertical and in their
correct positions.
Bow trusses shall be installed with bow not exceeding
the smaller of span/200 nor 50mm.

Bracing to the trusses is essential to prevent buckling of

members (chords and some webs), and to provide overall
stability to the roof under all relevant loading conditions,
including wind uplift where members may reverse from being
in tension to being in compression.
Care should be taken to ensure that all supporting structure
bracing is in place prior to the trusses being installed.
4.2
BATTENS
The bracing of top chords is achieved via the overlying
battens or purlins. Battens are to be nailed to both outer
laminates of any multiple ply trusses eg. double girders.
Splice locations are restricted:
Not more than one third of the battens should be
spliced at a single truss, and there must not be
two splices adjacent to each other at any truss.

Areas in the vicinity of the ends of gable roofs,

should be as free of splices as practical.

Splices are not permitted at girder trusses unless

approved by the fabricator in writing. This restriction
does not apply to truncated girder trusses, nor to
girder trusses that are designed to have roof plane
bracing that is independent of the battens.

Battens fixed to multiple ply girder trusses must

be nailed into each outer ply forming the girder
truss assembly.
Note: For battens in sheet roofs, provide special splice
details as recommended by Pryda (refer Technical Update
No. 12)

Plumb trusses shall be installed so that no part of the

truss is out of plumb by more than the smaller or rise/50 or
50mm.
Installation Guidlines For Timber Roof Trusses (to be read in conjunction with AS4440-2005)

May 2009

4.3
TOP CHORDS
All trussed roofs require diagonal bracing to the top chords,
which is typically at an angle of 30-45 degrees to the ridge
line, measured on plan. Braces should be installed such
that each main truss has a brace on it.
Bracing is best located near the ends of buildings, and will
be installed on both sides of the ridge line. Some typical
examples are shown here, but full details are given in
AS4440-2004.
4.3.1
SpeedBrace
The bracing shown here is Pryda Speedbrace which has
been specifically designed for this purpose and should be
fixed with Pryda 35x3.15 nails.

Speedbrace
Bend speedbrace over and
fix with three nails to face of
top chord
Triple Grip,
one to each side
of truss

Triple Grip,
one to each side
of truss

Refer AS4440 for fixing

to brick-wall plate

Speedbrace

Truss Boot

Speedbrace

4.3.2
Cantilevers
It is essential that the force in the top chord bracing be
transferred to the supporting structure. In cantilever trusses,
this is achieved through the use of special details as shown
in the diagrams.

Speedbrace
Speedbrace
Refer to AS4440 for end
fixing details

Speedbrace continuous
to truss heel

Refer to AS4440 for

fixing to brick-wall
plate

Refer to AS4440 for end

fixing details
Refer to AS4440 for fixing
to brick-wall plate

Anchorage Point:
Bend speedbrace to side of top plate and
under plate. Fix with five nails to top
plate. Nails shall not be closer than
10mm to the edge of the timber

Installation Guidlines For Timber Roof Trusses (to be read in conjunction with AS4440-2004) May 2009

4.3.3

Typical Bracing Details

4.3.4
Gable end roofs spans up to 8m
Refer to AS4440-2004 for details for specific roof shapes.

4.3.5
Gable end roofs spans 8m to 13m
Refer to AS4440-2004 for details for specific roof shapes.
In some instances double bracing is required.

4.3.6
Gable end roofs spans 13m to 16m
Refer to AS4440-2004 for details for specific roof shapes.
Single or double speedbrace
see AS4440

Vertical bracing,
see AS4440

SPAN LIMITS for STEEL BRACE USE (for Span range 8m to 16m)
Double Speedbrace

PITCH
(deg)
< 15
15 - 20
21 - 25
26 30
31 - 35
36 - 45

SINGLE STEEL BRACE

N1/N2 N3/C1 C2
C3
16.0
16.0
15.0 12.5
16.0
16.0
13.0 10.5
16.0
14.0
11.5 9.5
15.5
12.5
10.5 8.5
14.0
11.5
9.5
N/S
11.5
9.5
8.0
N/S

DOUBLE STEEL BRACE

N1/N2 N3/C1 C2
C3
16.0
16.0
16.0 16.0
16.0
16.0
16.0 15.0
16.0
16.0
16.0 13.5
16.0
16.0
14.5 12.0
16.0
16.0
13.0 11.0
16.0
13.5
11.0 9.0

Note: 1. The above table is based on a typical standard truss shape,

without stub heights.
2. It is assumed that a ceiling diaphragm exists at the bottom
chord level.

Installation Guidlines For Timber Roof Trusses (to be read in conjunction with AS4440-2004) May 2009

4.3.7
Hip end roofs General
The portion of the roof between hip ends, ie along the length
of the ridge, shall be braced as per gable roofs.

4.3.10
Bell cast roofs
The Speedbrace must be spliced at the breakline. (breaking
pitch).

Speedbrace

Bracing requirements
for jack trusses as
per AS4440

Refer to AS4440 splice

detail at break

4.3.8
Hip end roofs jack truss
The jack trusses within the hip end itself, including Dutch
gable ends, shall be braced as follows.

Speedbrace

4.4
BOTTOM CHORDS
Generally ceiling battens or ceiling fixed directly to the underside of the bottom chords are sufficient for bottom chord
bracing. The ceiling itself acts as a diaphragm to transfer
wind and bracing loads to cross walls.
All bottom chord ties must be braced or fixed to the
supporting structure.
a) For trusses over 12m span, or trusses where there is
no ceiling, additional bottom chord bracing will be required.

Speedbrace

b) Additional bottom chord bracing is also required where

there are insufficient internal walls to brace the external load-bearing walls , or where large cantilevers are
used.
c) Additional bottom chord ties and bracing are required
when ceiling is connected through metal furring channels that are only clipped onto the bottom chord. The
truss layout should indicate details of this.

4.3.9
Asymmetric or dual pitch roofs
Consider each side of the ridge as a separate case, and
use gable end details.

In each of these cases, the requirement must be checked

by an experienced truss designer, and the details supplied
by the fabricator.

Speedbrace

10

Installation Guidlines For Timber Roof Trusses (to be read in conjunction with AS4440-2004) May 2009

4.5
WEBS
4.5.1
Long webs
Some webs must be braced if required by the truss designer.
Generally this applies to long webs which are in
compression during some part of the life of the structure.
Typically this is a 70x35 F5 or MGP10 web tie located
mid-length of the web. By itself it does nothing, so these
web ties must be cross-braced back to part of the structure
that can provide adequate resistance.

SECTION 5

TRUSS CONNECTIONS

5.1
HIP ENDS
The details shown here are for a maximum design wind of
50 m/sec (non-cyclonic). Refer to AS 4440-2004 for full
details including up to 70 m/sec cyclonic.
The hip end connections provided by Pryda Build software
are similar to those in AS4440-2004, but they may not be
exactly the same, as every connection is designed
specifically for the conditions at each site.
The requirements called up by Pryda Build take precedence
over AS4440 or any other guidline. A document (Software
Update No. 7) is available to produce to certifiers if required.
Description

Connection Details

Hip truss to truncated trusses

Top chord - one framing anchor bent to
suit, with 3.15 x 35mm reinforced-head
nails into the side of each top chord for

As an alternative to web ties, Pryda Web Stiffener, TeeStiffeners or scabs may be specified.
90 x 35 F5 Tee
Stiffener fixed
to web using 3.15
dia x 65 nails at 200 c/c

Detail A1
Jack truss to truncated girder truss
Top chord - one framing anchor bent to
suit, with 3.15 x 35mm reinforced-head
nails into the side of each top chord for
truncated girder.

TIMBER TEE-STIFFENER

NOTE: For design wind speed speed

up to 30 m/s, tile roofs, truncated girder
with spans up to 8000mm and station up
to 2400mm, detail C1 may be used.

PRYDA WEB STIFFENER

4.5.2
End webs
All trusses with end vertical webs not intersecting with
another truss, will need end web bracing similar to the top
chord bracing. Diagonal bracing from the top chord to the
supporting structure should be provided at each end of
each run of trusses as shown.

Bottom chord - three effective flathead

65mm nails each side of jack truss

Detail B1
Extended jack truss top chord to
truncated standard trusses
Two 65mm skew nails into the side of
each top chord

Bend speedbrace over timber

block and fix with five nails

Detail C1
Bend speedbrace to
side of top plate and
under (if necessary).
Fix with five nails to
top plate. Nails shall
be not closer than
10mm to the edge of
the timber.

Creeper truss to hip truss

(maximum jack station 1800mm)
Top Chord - three effective flat-head
65mm nails through jack truss top chord
into hip truss to chord

Refer to AS4440 fixing

to brick-wall plate.
Bottom chord - three effective flat-head
65mm nails through jack truss bottom
chord to hip truss bottom chord

Detail D1
Speedbrace fixed with
two nails

Creeper truss to hip truss

(maximum jack station 3000mm)
Top chord - fix as detail D1 plus one mitre
plate with 3.15 x 35mm reinforced-head
nails to each top chord

Bottom chord - three effective flat-head

Detail E1

Installation Guidlines For Timber Roof Trusses (to be read in conjunction with AS4440-2004)

May 2009

11

5.2
GIRDERS
Where a girder truss is utilised to support the standard
trusses perpendicular to it, they must be connected to the
girder with special devices which :a) Support the loads
b) Prevent separation of the girder bottom chord
away from the standard trusses
c) Prevent rotational force being applied to the
standard truss.
5.2.1
Main girders
Standard trusses may be fixed to the girder truss by a
Pryda products. The fabricator will generally supply the
appropriate bracket for each connection, or otherwise specify

Fixed with nails

or screws as
specified

5.2.2
Dutch Hip girders
The waling plate must be fixed to the Dutch Hip girder truss
in accordance with the details supplied by the fabricator.
Refer to Pryda
specifications for
nailing or screw
fixing

5.3
VALLEYS
Where overlying members sit on the top chord of a truss,
the nominated top chord restraint must still be maintained.
This can be achieved with careful detailing as shown here.

Girder bracket / Truss boot

5.4
OVERHANGS
It is important that overhangs are supported as intended by
the truss designer. Refer to AS4440-2004 for full details.

For bolting details,

refer to Pryda
specifications

5.4.1

Boxed Eaves

5.4.2

Verge Overhangs

Screw fixed Truss Boot

Using No. 12 Type 17 screws
(with appropriate screw lengths)
Single Ply = 35 long screws
Double Ply = 65 long screws
Triple Ply = 65 long screws + cluster of
nails (or bolts)

Heavy-duty bolted Truss

Boots
Using M16 bolts with washers