Truss span = 30′ Actual span 30′-1″ Can I trim rafter tail?
rickwilmath
| Posted in Construction Techniques on
I am building a simple house with a gable roof. The span was supposed to be 30′ but it ended up being one inch over. Can I install the trusses and notch a little bit off the rafter tails?
Thanks
Rick
Replies
Probably work. If the slope isn't too steep you might not even have to.
Yup. I’d think this would just settle into place.
The pitch is 5/12
What does your truss manufacturer say?
What is the top of the wall like? thickness and single or double top plate.
I would be inclined to adapt the top plate, instead of cutting into engineered truss components.
for 5/12 pitch, a half inch notch would only be a bit over 2/10 deep at the outside.
a couple passes on the outside of the top plate with something like this at each end of the truss should do the trick. Mark the distance of the required notch on top plate after measuring the actual truss.
https://www.amazon.com/AES-Industries-25-295-Surform-Cheesegrater/dp/B00AZAA3PC/ref=sr_1_17?crid=OD0N8E7MLYBY&dchild=1&keywords=surform+rasp&qid=1607002781&sprefix=surfo%2Caps%2C164&sr=8-17
you can give any nails in the way an extra smack with a hammer if needed.
If you mark the locations, and place the trusses upside down next to where they go, it should not take too long.
Cut strips of 1/4 “ plywood 3 inches wide (or 5” if your walls are 2x6). Put them on the inside of the top plate and voila trusses fit.
I'm lazier than Mike- I'd scribe a line 1/2" from the outside of the plate, set a 7-1/4 blade for 3/8" depth and move the saw sideways to hog out a 1/2" x 0.200 " sloped dado.
I thought about power tools; a belt sander with some 60 grit or grinder would do the trick too, with a little care, and gentle touch.
But I figured if I did this, working around the top of the wall, whatever I used would probably head for the deck sooner or later.
A hand saw and wood chisel would do the job too.
Thanks everyone for the help!