Overhead view of both CFS and wood framing roof systems utilizing truss spacers for ease of installation.

Truss Spacers: Amplify Worksite Installation Efficiency and Precision

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Why is Truss Spacing Important?

Proper spacing of trusses is critical in all sorts of construction projects because trusses are engineered functional elements essential to the structural performance of any building. It is common to find engineered trusses made of wood or cold-formed steel in both commercial and residential structures. Trusses are designed to distribute loads evenly across the structure, ensuring that the whole system can withstand various forces such as wind, rain, and any other number of live loads like snow and ice accumulation. The majority of both residential and commercial designs call for 24” on center spacing of truss members. When trusses are not spaced according to design specifications, the building’s overall performance can suffer, leading to potential structural issues. This is where truss spacers like the ClarkDietrich truss spacer available in our online store come into play, offering a reliable solution to maintain the precise spacing required for optimal and long-lasting performance.

Image of ClarkDietrich TBR24 Truss Spacer
Above: ClarkDietrich TBR24 Truss Spacer.
Above: Birdseye view of cold formed steel structure with truss spacers installed.

Versatility Across Framing Types

One of the key advantages of truss spacers is their versatility. These spacers are not limited to a single type of framing; they are equally effective and applicable for both cold-formed steel and wood framing. This makes them a valuable tool for builders who work across different material types depending on project goals and specifications. Additionally, truss spacers are not necessarily just for roof trusses; they can also be used to space floor joists, ensuring consistent and accurate spacing throughout the entire structure. This flexibility helps to streamline the construction process, saving time and reducing errors.

 

Above: Truss spacers creating uniform spacing between wooden trusses.

Simplifying the Spacing Process

Manually spacing trusses without spacers can often prove to be a tedious and time-consuming process. Framers must measure and adjust each truss individually, which can lead to inconsistencies and errors, especially on larger projects where tolerances can stack up across a large roofing system. Truss spacers eliminate this hassle by providing a quick and accurate method to ensure uniform spacing. This not only speeds up the installation process but also reduces the risk of mistakes that could compromise the structural integrity of the building. By using truss spacers, framing crews can achieve precise truss alignment with minimal effort, enhancing both the quality and efficiency of the construction process. Spot-on placement can also aid with keeping up the pace when it comes down to laying sheathing because spacing is so well standardized.

Image of ClarkDietrich Truss Spacer TBR24 Installed Between Wooden Roof Trusses
Above: View of CD TBR24 Truss Spacer installed as truss spacing/bracing.

Advantages of the ClarkDietrich Truss Spacer

The ClarkDietrich Truss Spacer available in our online store stands out for its innovative design and durability, making it a top choice for professional builders. One of its key advantages is its ability to serve as both a spacer and a bracing element, offering dual functionality that enhances not only alignment but also bracing of trusses during installation. This product is engineered to meet rigorous industry standards, ensuring it can withstand the demands of both residential and commercial construction. The spacer’s easy-to-use design simplifies installation, reducing labor time and minimizing the potential for human error. Additionally, as previously discussed, the ClarkDietrich Truss Spacer is equally compatible with both wood and cold-formed steel trusses, making it a practical solution for a wide range of practical framing applications. By using this product, framing crews can achieve precise truss spacing with confidence, knowing they are utilizing a reliable tool that contributes to the overall quality and structural integrity of the building. 

Image of Engineering Construction Drawing of a Custom Truss Design
Above: Engineering construction drawing of a custom truss design.

In-House Engineering and Design at US Frame Factory

At US Frame Factory we have comprehensive in-house engineering and design services available to help you, allowing us to generate custom designs to meet the unique needs of your construction project. Our full suite of services includes custom truss design, detailed shop drawings, and load calculations to ensure that every structure is built to the highest standards of safety and efficiency. Our advanced truss design software package enables precise modeling and analysis, allowing for the optimization of materials and the creation of innovative solutions that enhance the overall performance of metal trusses. We have found that by offering these capabilities in-house, we are able to help our clients streamline the design and construction process, reducing lead times and ensuring seamless communication between all project stakeholders. Whether you already have trusses for your project and simply need truss spacers to improve installation, or if you need full service design and manufacturing we are happy to work with you. Contact us to initiate a quote or for help with any additional technical questions you may have.
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