Floor and Roof Trusses - "How it's Made"

This is an "Insiders Look" at how this lumber company is manufacturing floor and roof trusses 24/7 with extreme efficiency using www.mitek-us.com Sapphire software and machinery. Coming to you from one of the SMARTEST cities in the Country - Huntsville Alabama
Huge thanks to www.wilsonlumber.net for the hospitality!
Jordan - / jordansmithbuilds
The Build Show BTS - / thebuildshow

[@bartnagel]

I wanted to compliment your videographer and gaffer for the lovely lighting on Jordan in the truss yard. Are there Construction Video Oscars?-this deserves an award.

[@buildshow]

Agreed! Jordan and Joey killed this one

[@RubenLensvelt]

The colors are definitely great! The whole video looks like it has really high production value.

[@GermanLibertarian]

Word

[@buildshow]

Thanks guys.

[@JordanSmithBuilds]

YESSS!! So glad you appreciate the quality. Joey is a one man production team. He shoots, he lights, he records audio, he edits, and he posts! We couldn't do it without him and he does great work.

[@facereader99]

I absolutely adored the way you spoke. You know your subject for sure, but the fluency, the selection of words, the intonation, is a natural gift. May you flourish ever more. Thank you!

[@kellystatley7266]

I am a former trussman from Colorado. Wow...Mytech advancements of tech...very cool...but what is the initial costs of setup???thx....00

[@zaneh6224]

Thanks for showing the Mitek factory, awesome how the automation help produce a better product, use Mitek trusses all the time but never seen how they were made.

[@JamesAmos]

I love these videos man. Thank you!

[@TheRayRay]

This place is about a mile from my house. Did not realize how high tech it is. Nice to know more about what is in my back yard.

[@tylerrunion2291]

As a person who builds trusses, I wish our shop was like this. We set every jig by hand with boards and metal angles, we put all the boards in and beat the plates down then flip them out ourselves on to the rollers, tack the plates on then send it through the press. It’s crazy to see it done like this

[@estwing996]

Same thing here

[@stjohn9455]

Less heavy lifting, but do you want to work at feet all day?

[@gwp1ohio]

be the change, sell the efficency

[@KevboBaggins]

Nice job, Jordan. I think you are hitting your stride with this one.

[@JordanSmithBuilds]

Thanks Kevin!

[@alexanderbdavila]

Great simple easy explanation!

[@peteyou2325]

Great and informative video!

[@RiverPlaid]

Thank you for explaining trusses to someone who is very interested, had sort of an idea how they work, but just needed a good explanation. 😃

[@driver868]

Thank you for sharing the information! It really helps.

[@mikeappleby5687]

The top and bottom chords are not only in tension or compression. They have uniform loads from the roof above and the attic/ceiling below, so they're also in bending and shear between the node points. They would be purely in tension or compression if the loads were only applied at the nodes, which is a traditional truss configuration.

[@Jordan-ws6jy]

This is so cool! I wish we had this available to us. I've never seen any setup like this before.

[@Jay-js5ik]

Ours is pretty close to this but not quite as professional looking.

[@zekegifford5201]

Real good video. Going to use it for my construction students.

[@refusoagaino6824]

Pretty sure these guys measured, cut and delivered my roof in Cook Springs AL., in 2003-4. It was a "Prairie style" hipped roof on the house with two ridges. I was using a 3D program for the design, and they had something compatible that made it drop together like a play toy.

[@allysonbeaulieu7351]

super interesting!! i’m shifting career paths into the framing and truss industry, and i wanted to make sure i had some basic knowledge of the product! thanks for the help

[@RookLuke]

Same here! How is it going?

[@Guitarzan8]

Thanks Matt!

[@felix49603]

Awesome! I learned lot and Im not even in construction! Great job in explaining! Thanks

[@ArneJohanssonMpls]

On the Build Show!!!

[@ethiesm1]

Wilson Lumber's game is on Point!

[@iveneverdonethisbefore8390]

Wow that is a wild operation!

[@henryfleming6944]

Matt, i love your videos. I live in south Texas so I apply a lot of the same solutions you present. But I think Jordan has the tension, compression description wrong. Start with a 3 piece gable configuration, two angled top chords and one horizontal bottom chord to make a triangle as you see on the outside of the truss shown. Clearly the shorter angled top pieces are in compression, and the bottom horizontal piece is in tension to keep the roof from flattening out. Jordan is correct to here. The longest piece of the trio is the bottom, which will try and sag. Add one vertical tension chord from the center of the bottom to the peak. This will prevent bottom sag by pulling up and it increases the compression on the top chords which also increases the tension on the bottom chord. The next longest pieces are the angled top chords along the roof deck. To prevent these from sagging, you can put a diagonal compression member from the center of the top chords to meet at the center of bottom chord. These diagonal members increases the tension on the vertical centerline chord which increases the loading as described previously. The next longest part to sag is either side of center of the bottom chord. You can counter this with two vertical tension chords at the middle of the half spans, or at one quartet of the length from the ends. The tension on this short vertical chord will increase the compression on the bottom portions of the top chord and the diagonal compression chords meeting at the centerline, and so on. Jordan is looking at the bottom chord like it’s a big beam taking vertical loads from vertical chords. So basically the diagonal pieces on the interior of the gable configuration will be in compression and the vertical pieces will be in tension. The right side has a short vertical member where it looks like it’s a loading point or wall support position. The tail end of the truss at the roof drip edge will be reversed in forces. The top will be in tension and horizontal chord part will be in compression. The left side does not have the extension beyond the wall support point. If you look at an end gable structure with a wall under its entirety, then it will have vertical studs all under compression. Supported the entire length by a wall underneath. Best regards, Henry

[@aus71383]

Great video

[@MikeBMW]

I cannot finalize a plan until I get the truss information: bearing walls, point loads, uplift loads (choosing the proper connector), etc, so I can design the foundation appropriately. Great vid! :)

[@blairpettigrew]

Amazing!

[@ParniyanKarimi]

cool stuff!

[@colinstu]

Man after the Swiss/German series, this thing looks like it's made out of toothpicks.

[@erik....]

No snow pressure I guess.. We have to add a load of 3-6kN/m2 to the calculation which makes a huge difference.

[@Crazylalalalala]

@@erik.... Only in the northern most states will you be getting that much snow. Most of the US population will not see more than 30 psf (1.5 kn/m2of snow (not including drift)) But these are used even at 6kn/m2. Obviously they will beef them up. This is recorded in a southern state with no snow load. 6kn/m2 of snow will only be seen in like Alaska, Maine and some mountainous regions.

[@baronvolkov6172]

@@Crazylalalalala The same methods of building are used in the northwest states and we get tons of snow. Probably just slightly beefier trusses in comparison to what is used in the southern states, as im not aware of the standards there. But to say these look like toothpicks is ridiculous, more so that the swiss builders love to waste materials by building "less with more". Solid wood walls with no insulation and solid wood floors 10+ inches thick are just laughable to look at. Complete waste of materials with no regard to efficiency while providing no benefit except for "sound proofing" at the cost of ultra high price, excessive unnecessary weight, and intensive labor.

[@squidproquo2241]

@Colin Stuart _ Wow! I guess one should be a "European" to be a true asshole.

[@SD_Only]

Wind load calculation. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3rPqYBoraqLh9E

[@barbarai2185]

Very helpful video

[@saurabhsharma7522]

thanks for making this useful vdo.. channel subscribed

[@zimar7487]

Nice video

[@kenaidiun3736]

Thankyou. lesson learned.

[@ccsmith2937]

Cool option. 👍

[@benswowacct]

I thought about playing a drinking game, taking a drink every time you said trusses, then remembered I like living. Great video!

[@JordanSmithBuilds]

Thanks! You've got to be careful playing drinking games with the Build Show. I have a very limited vocabulary, and once my mind locks onto a word, you better get ready to hear it...a lot. A safer way to play is "How many times does he use a synonym for "cool"", but it would probably be pretty boring.

[@SD_Only]

Wind load calculation. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3rPqYBoraqLh9E

[@incognitoish98]

Good information

[@alfonsotoledo4853]

Good job

[@rodw]

This was very cool. I would like to have seen a closer look at the truss going down the line being put together. Are those plates very expensive? Would they be cost effective in building a shed?

[@MrKylekincaid]

Just missed you! my wife and I moved to Huntsville 14 Feb 2019... dang lol

[@stevepailet8258]

just got to go on a tour of a truss factory two weeks ago.. watching the 6 head saw machine.. amazing.. then watching the guy tacking the the trusses.. 5 minutes for 45 foot long truss then run down the line press down the plates. The machine is so heavy that runs down the line.. if it hits a hammer that was inadvertently left on the line.. POOF one claw removed

[@haitiannick2695]

I work at a Builders First Plant. Exact same set up. It’s awesome

[@SLNason]

In Canada we see almost all trusses. The Sapphire viewer works great as you can search and see a certain truss.

[@vitaliyjuterbog8912]

What kind of cameras did you guys shoot on? Looks amazing!

[@charlieroberts4283]

Jordan should do more videos!

[@phylismaddox4880]

Coolness!!!

[@jumakaswahili.workinghands2501]

Awesome

[@shanedoyle501]

I used to work in a truss plant and had no idea how much design went into these. We mainly just knew what each individual truss was supposed to look like

[@patrickkeller2193]

As a firefighter I have to warn you about those nailplate fasteners, they tend to rattle loose during construction, or through termal stress across seasons. Then when there is a fire they will start popping out and the entire construction can collapse as fast as 15 minutes. Because of that, this type of construction has actually been outlawed in the city by our fire inspector.

[@avilabra]

Patrick, plywood and/or OSB would be better? Would any of them resist a little more in a fire?

[@patrickkeller2193]

@@avilabra The problem is not the wood, it's the metal plates that connect the beams. There is not a lot of mechanical connection, especially in the lateral direction. The "nails" are basically just metal spurs that are bend out of the plate.

[@avilabra]

@@patrickkeller2193 the fire resistance of the plates are a serious concern to me and some say they “fix” the problem using pieces of plywood and nails - and that the nails would resist better to the fire, but they conduct heat even if they are totally inside the trusses. Than it seems to me that there’s no solution besides avoiding trusses that demand metal components in their core, and go for bigger timber and connected only in their ends. Would you agree with that, Patrick?

[@patrickkeller2193]

@@avilabra That fix would actually help a lot. The fire resistance of the materials themselves is not even the problem. Burning through the beams or melting the metal components actually takes much more heat and time. The problem with these one piece nailplates is that they are simply not very secure and can easily slip out and then you are left with free-floating beams. Anything that keeps the plates tightly attached would greatly increase the fire resistance. That said it is better to avoid nailpates in the first place in favour of traditional carpentry joints and metal fasteners with screws. Might be more expensive and slower, but much safer.

[@DubYaJsWorld]

@@patrickkeller2193 and this is why I want to incorporate a fire sprinkler system when I build my home. Why they are only in apartment complexes is crazy, the piping is not crazy and you can catch rain water for the reservoir for the standby water!

[@AlanJWatkins]

Huntsville IS a surprising nice area.

[@adrielrowley]

I am not a builder, trained in architecture, who watches to keep updated and for enjoyment. As I understand, lumber is getting less and less quality. As the size goes up, the more cupping and warping risk. Meaning could see trusses as being more accurate and precise, especially with that pin table. Very interesting! In addition, if I had a choice between wood I joists and wood trusses, would go the latter. We do not know the long turn impact of the resins used in OCB, turn to mush if wet (Plumbing leak causing a floor collapse?), plus the beauty and flexibility of floor trusses.

[@markmoore4088]

Most standard grade lumber is made from young, smaller timber and has wider growth rings and often has the log center contained in each board. That makes for boards prone to splitting, cupping, twisting, and bending. Junk! Lumber used for trusses, however, is typically higher quality than that used for most other structural framing.

[@lifeofabachelor8547]

i truly love floor truss systems

[@krehbein]

Are they as strong as those engineered I-beam type floor joists?

[@95GuitarMan13]

@@krehbein both systems will be engineered to the same performance standards.

[@buildshow]

Me too. Big fan

[@lifeofabachelor8547]

@@krehbein stronger

[@95GuitarMan13]

I started out my career in a truss factory building and eventually designing engineered wood systems, great video!

[@sofiamonserratcastillomend1249]

nice! , im here studying this video trying to understand roof trusses

[@markgause5557]

Worked at Stark truss in Summerville SC for 3 years

[@RenegadeRussell]

I've lived in Europe and North America. Here in NA we design a house to last 50 years. In Europe, at least when I lived there, the life cycle of a house was 300 years. Now I hear they to have dumbed down the product to 100+ years, which is still better than our life cycle of 50. As for trusses. I love them as a designer. They give me spans and options unavailable in the old span tables.

[@MUSEDR00L]

You guys produce a very professional video. On trusses: Roof trusses are awesome and the automated factory made truss is the way to go. Floor trusses are not so wonderful. They are more economical and have the advantage of space for utilities, but they are lethal to firemen. A 2 x 10 floor joist will withstand a considerable amount of fire before it fails, but the truss floor becomes extremely weak in just a few minutes of fire and a fireman walking onto a truss floor that has a fire below can easily fall through. Just my opinion.

[@milanroets9697]

The reason that happens is because wood is a poor conductor of heat but metal is not. Thus the metal plates will expand much faster in heat than wood does causing them to fall off and making the tension points unstable.

[@DanielZajic]

@@milanroets9697 So making trusses using nails/screws would be way better than these plate-connected ones, right? Much slower, of course, but easier to DIY.

[@milanroets9697]

@@DanielZajic I was just stating that heat from a fire will theoretically cause the plates to come apart. Rafter framing is still way faster than putting them together yourself. Plus you still need engineered drawings with a stamp to pass inspection

[@joev2223]

I think the problem with floor joists failing has to do with heat affecting the glue in the truss and losing basically all strength.

[@hughtaggart565]

You should check out Shelter Systems in Westminster MD.

[@wingmanalive]

Been designing trusses for 20+ years. Done residential and commercial. I currently work for one of if not THE largest component manufacturers in the industry. I can say without hesitation that the truss designer is THE most important part of the process yet is the least paid. I know because I've worked for 3 companies in my journey upward. It's a shame because we take on so many tasks and have to constantly learn new codes and software. Yet all the salesmen do is forward emails and they make twice what we do. I love what I do, I really do. I just wish I was paid accordingly. I can design a floor and roof for a $900,000 home and I'm paid the same as the guy who replaced your tires on your car. Is that fair?

[@bamabackroads1203]

So be a salesman.

[@PiLLO360]

Unionize

[@bigonprivacy2708]

Great informational video. I see this was 4 years ago. Do you believe this technology is more the norm? I'm in South Central TX and wondering what I should ask the supplier to understand if I'm also getting the scaling cost benefit from this tech. Thank you!!

[@stephensaines7100]

I have to wonder what the addition of a thick bodied adhesive to the joints would do for strength and long term compliance to spec?

[@robertshriver8392]

Looks good I love to see automation when it comes to carpentry

[@explorenaked]

At least he didn't end with "Thheeeee Buillllldddddd Shooooooooowwww!!!!"

[@cowkids6]

I like the regular ending😁

[@RichieD_21]

Lmaooo but that's the best part!

[@baronvolkov6172]

Definitely sounds more original than the way Matt says it which is super cringeworthy as his voice would be normal tone throughout the entire video until that ending, just horrible.

[@doubledarefan]

@@baronvolkov6172 I agree 200%!

[@SD_Only]

Wind load calculation. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3rPqYBoraqLh9E

[@jr3474]

thumbs up

[@ardenthebibliophile]

What's the downside? If I can design and have a custom home up to spec shipped in a watertight package that seems ideal. Do you have the same availability of materials? Is there something this system can't do (yet)?

[@danielk6878]

I had simple trusses built for a 24 by 24 garage with a 4-12 pitch. They were not symmetrical and off by an inch and a half. Maybe I'm picky but I think they could have easily made them correct and just didn't. I had to flip them around to make them lineup

[@milanroets9697]

A truss engineer told me in building you put the crown of the lumber up but in truss production you put it down. Gravity will cause the lumber to straighten in time but on trusses tension will push in the opposite direction causing the lumber to straighten.

[@Edgardocelectric007]

Hey Matt getting ready to pass the mantle

[@JohnVance]

Is it weird that my favorite part of this is the software?

[@Ariccio123]

No, this is really impressive software. There's gotta be relatively complex infrastructure behind the scenes to make everything work together!

[@petewilliamsabq]

NOT WEIRD! I design trusses for BFS in Albuquerque. Sapphire Structure is awesome. I sell more jobs by showing my customer the design in 3d. For many it's the first time they have been able to visualize the structure since few home designers around here use 3d software.

[@CoachBru999]

Ya, let’s have computers do all the thinking for us so we can devolve into a stupid bliss blob

[@SD_Only]

Wind load calculation. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3rPqYBoraqLh9E

[@gwp1ohio]

@@CoachBru999 the complexity of the software, combined with the knowledge to operate it and know engineering...and be a visual 3d thinker...

[@icolshotglasses]

My only question is, why I didn't know you were coming to Huntsville (where I live)? Would have loved to meet you in person and buy you a drink at 1 or all 9 of our Micro-breweries. Maybe next time.

[@SD_Only]

Wind load calculation. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3rPqYBoraqLh9E

[@kmonk7853]

Automatic jig was pretty cool

[@mateuszgorzelak7503]

Can we use only vertical posts in the truss between the upper and lower chords?

[@nateevans782]

Where do you get your leather notebook/cover?

[@svzigzag5898]

You could make a c clamp with a hydraulic jack to press them together or just by a press!

[@timort2260]

Is this stronger or even better then a decently good framer? I have two garages I'm framing and one has no roof and the other would be better with out it's roof.

[@ThePummellyou]

Please advise Amwood homes in Toledo Ia or Montezuma Ia of that truss table!!!

[@aljafari2364]

What app u use to check the 3D model of truss manufacturer?

[@daveshepherd7582]

I used to work for a truss manufacturing company years ago, it was the closest thing to sweatshop labor I’ve ever known

[@MNnytrorider]

Any wood products place is like that. I works for LP and hated it. I wanted to get fired lol.

[@PiLLO360]

It’s like a prison lol

[@Ghillie1107]

I make trusses but with more work into it, all wood is cut with a table saw and a chopsaw for short stuff, rather than a rolling table we use pedestals and a free moving 25 tonne press

[@chrisgeorge3529]

Hmmmm, interesting. I am a truss designer. I use the same software. He summed it up pretty well but there is so much more to it.

[@ryanlee1573]

Good simple explanation. However, the forces in the webs were stated opposite of what they really are. The kingpost (the vertical member in the center) would actually be in tension whereas it supports the bottom chord and keeps it from deflecting. Then the 2 angled struts that rise up from the bottom of the kingpost are in compression whereas they support the top chord and keep it from deflecting. Then the outer vertical members are in tension similar to the kingpost. Great video though!

[@jacobkrzyzek5777]

Now who and when will be the first truss system house built out of lvl's, since now they are being used to build super straight walls?

[@barbarai2185]

How long can trusses be on the ground? So they were dropped off on the ground. How Much time do I have to install them?

[@411toaster]

I'm currently rebuilding all of the MiTek digital trusses on a job in Revit software so that proper coordination among all the service runs can occur during detailed design. The Truss Subcontractor couldn't even read the plans so I had to adjust their designs to make it work. When will Sapphire be able to output an ifc file format for proper coordination in a Federated model? Building Information Modelling is standard now days. The construction industry really does move at a snails pace.

[@tinman7781]

Monster

[@brybino]

Did Mitek choose those truss plates, or did the truss plates choose Mitek?

[@johnchamberlin5302]

Great video. bracing and holddowns become critical in a trussed roof. Gotta understand how all the forces are distributed. Production builders have souls too

[@csfigueroa2641]

On the job site, is drilling holes in the trusses frowned upon or forbidden? Holes for electrical, plumbing, AV, etc. Just wondering if nails, screws or holes compromise integrity of truss.

[@retireddriver16]

Trusses are great way to build

[@aayotechnology]

So what's Wilson lumbers connection with Mitek?

[@richardmccombs617]

I have these in my 40 year old double wide, opposite of your high end. They still are holding up but do show some issues of the metal fatigue, wavy, which has them pulling out a bit. Since tangs are getting a little sloppy I tried to press them back in but metal memory pulled them back to where they were. I went through with plywood to create a clamp holding them were they are strongest. They had not failed but would have issues in wind (hurricanes) or another ten years (50). Still not bad for a 100 grand house , in a high end house I would not like this. Locking systems should be improved a bit . Just saying my idea is a house should last 500 years .....

[@evanoconnor4683]

this video sucked

[@cjimcook]

I've seen other (older?) truss systems where the metal plates - also known as gang nails - are instead larger plywood squares traditionally nailed into the truss members to do the same thing. You can do that, too.

[@simeonkessler906]

Is there a truss company in austin area using this automated system?

[@philwort1873]

Also, how do they put the nail plates on the underside of the truss? Is it flipped and done by hand or done down the production line?

[@95GuitarMan13]

They lift the members and slide the plates under.

[@philwort1873]

@@95GuitarMan13 thanks Carter. great video Jordan, really enjoyed it!

[@urganodevotaton]

Is there a name for the saw machine that cuts the boards at both ends at the same time? Not a brand name or a specific name, but a general differentiating name for that type of saw machine.

[@idadho]

How do they put the plates on the bottom side? More time watching the assembly process would have made the 8:50 more worthwhile.

[@user-nh7nm9en2v]

Informative video.. . I'm a truss designer it's a pleasure if I can help in any case of trusses designing

[@pcno2832]

How much more would it cost to use simple triangular roof framing, with a higher pitch if necessary, so the space would be unobstructed and possibly finished?

[@markjohnson6498]

Not much. just a few more feet of wood really. But those are called bonus trusses. The truss company will tell you that they cost millions of dollars more to produce and no one really uses them anyway. Besides you would need a really big crane to set them because they weigh at least 50 pounds more. 50 pounds is a lot for an average crane. I am being facetious obviously. But I have actually been told this utter nonsense by the complete morons that work in my area. They charge whatever they feel like when you don't buy what they want to sell you. I hate trusses and truss companies and will avoid using them anytime I can. Trusses are nothing more than a way to build a roof as easily and cheaply as possible. They are not for building quality homes. One of my homes in Detroit was built in 1909 and has solid oak 2x4 rafters with 3 foot kneewalls in the attic. This gives me about 900 sq ft of space up there. Also I have replaced a few of the slate tiles on the roof but no more than 25 and the rest are original. You ever seen a 111 year old asphalt shingle that isn't a pile of grainy dust ? This is why we are seeing a push back to older technologies. They worked and worked well. Just because it is newer and cheaper does not mean it is better. But on the downside Trogdor hates slate roof cottages. He likes to burn down the peasants in their thatch roof cottages.

[@macleod57]

There is no cut and dry answer that will cover every situation so I have to give you one of those annoying "it depends" answers. On your typical 22' +/- wide garage going from a standard truss to a box attic one costs about $30-$40 per truss. Fink attics (webs look like a "W") with a 2x6 bottom chord are only about $10-20 per truss more than a standard truss. The cost increase comes from using larger lumber (eg bottom chord going from 2x4 to 2x12) increased lumber grades (eg 2x4 #2 might bump up to #1) larger truss plates, etc. Truss profiles like this are quite common (I see them on nearly every house I design trusses for) but they generally need to be specified on the plans or by the builder/customer.

[@tristonevanko5726]

Are you still in Huntsville ? If so could we get together?

[@doubledarefan]

I like the new guy.

[@dalethorp3687]

I liked the EU Segments.

[@SD_Only]

Wind load calculation. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3rPqYBoraqLh9E

[@cyrusthegod9567]

Which way is it pressing?

[@jh-lp7cg]

Got some trusses for my garage recently. They work but aren't pretty. They look like the worst reject lumber was selected to make them.

[@Engineeringmathematicsso-yo5hv]

Why is there no shear force and bending moment in truss? And what happens if we apply force in between chord rather than applying force at joint?

[@uniqueusername67]

I'm a truss designer but I use Alpine software. Does anybody know both systems? What are key advantages and disadvantages?