FAQ's & Terminology

• Can I buy from Engineered Truss Systems direct?
  Yes, anyone can buy our quality trusses from us.
• What is Engineered Truss Systems’ timing of completion after receiving the job?
  Typically, it takes between one and two weeks to complete a job, but every job is different. Please contact an Engineered Truss Representative via email or give us a call at 877-605-0350 for a completion estimate on your project.
• Does Engineered Truss Systems have a price book?
  We don't have a price book, as all projects are individually priced as per plan.
• Does Engineered Truss Systems use 2x3 or 2x4?
  To ensure the highest quality end product, we use 2x4 webbings instead of 2x3 webbings.
• Does Engineered Truss Systems carry stock?
  No, we do not. We prefer to customize each job using the specific products needed.
• Does Engineered Truss Systems supply hangers?
  Yes we do. We are pleased to provide and use only high quality Simpson hangers.
• Does Engineered Truss Systems charge for bid estimates?
  Not at all! Engineered Truss Systems offers free estimates.
• Do I need to give Engineered Truss Systems a blue print of my job?
  It is helpful for us to have a full size blue print, but not required.
• Does Engineered Truss Systems have signed engineered drawings?
  Yes we do, and they available upon order.
• Does Engineered Truss Systems send layouts with each job?
  Yes we do, as long as we have received a plan.
• Does Engineered Truss Systems take Visa/MasterCard?
  Not at this time.
• Can Engineered Truss Systems help with designing my trusses?
  Yes, we will design your trusses if you need help.
• Is Engineered Truss Systems insured?
  Yes, we are insured in all the appropriate areas. Please contact us for any insurance related questions.
• Does Engineered Truss Systems sell to lumber yards?
  Engineered Truss Systems does sell to lumber yards.
• Are Engineered Truss Systems’ products guaranteed or come with a warranty?
  Yes, all of our products are structurally guaranteed.
• Does Engineered Truss Systems sell to homeowners?
  Engineered Truss Systems does sell to homeowners.

• AXIAL FORCE
  A push (compression) or pull (tension) acting along the length of a member. Usually measured in pounds
• AXIAL STRESS
  The axial force acting at a point along the length of a member, divided by the cross-sectional area of the member. Usually measured in pounds per square inch.
• BEARING
  Structural support of a truss, usually walls, hangers, or posts
• BENDING MOMENT
  A measure of the bending effect on a member due to forces acting perpendicular to the length of the member. The bending moment at the given point along a member equals the sum of all perpendicular forces, either to the left or right of the point, times their corresponding distances from the point. Usually measured in inch-pounds.
• BENDING STRESS
  The force per square inch of area acting at a point along the length of a member, resulting from the bending moment applied at that point. Usually measured in pounds per square inch (psi).
• BOTTOM CHORD
  A horizontal or inclined (scissors truss) member that establishes the lower edge of a truss. Usually carrying combined tension and bending stresses.
• COMBINED STRESS
  The combination of axial and bending stresses acting on a member simultaneously, such as occurs in the top chord (compression + bending) or bottom chord (tension + bending) of a truss.
• DEAD LOAD
  Permanent loads that are constant on the truss, e.g.; the weight of the truss itself, purlins, sheathing, roofing, ceiling, etc.
• DEFLECTION
  Downward vertical displacement of a truss due to loads.
• DURATION OF LOAD FACTOR
  An adjustment in the allowable stress in a wood member, based on the duration of the load causing the stress. The shorter the duration of the load, the higher the percent increase in allowable stress.
• HEEL
  Point on a truss at which the top and bottom chords intersect.
• JOIST
  A parallel chord truss with the least chord dimension in the vertical plane.
• LATERAL BRACE
  A member installed and connect at right angles to a chord or web member of a truss to resist lateral movement. LEVEL RETURN - Lumber filler placed horizontally from the end of an overhang to the outside wall to form a soffit framing.
• LEVEL RETURN
  Lumber filler placed horizontally from the end of an overhang to the outside wall to form a soffit framing.
• LIVE LOAD
  Any load which is not of permanent nature, such as snow, wind, movable concentrated loads, furniture, etc. Live loads are generally of short duration.?
• NOMINAL SPAN
  Horizontal distance between outside edges of the outermost supports.
• OVERHANG
  The extension of the top chord of a truss beyond the bearing support.
• PANEL
  The chord segment defined by two successive joints.
• PANEL LENGTH
  The centerline distance between joints measured along the chords.
• PANEL POINT
  The point of intersection where a web (or webs) meets a chord.
• PEAK
  Point on a truss where the sloped top chords meet.
• PLUMB CUT
  Top chord end cut perpendicular to the building floor line provided for vertical installation of facia.
• PURLIN
  A horizontal member in a roof perpendicular to the truss top chord used to support the decking.
• QUARTER POINT
  Point on a Fink (T43) or Howe (T44) truss where the webs connect to the top chord. Also one fourth the distance between two joints from either joint.?
REACTION - Forces acting on a truss through its supports that are equal but opposite to the sum of all dead and live loads.
• SLOPE (Pitch)
  The inches of vertical rise in 12 inches of horizontal run for inclined members, generally expressed as 3/12, 4/12, 6/12, etc.
• SPLICE POINT (top and bottom chord splice)
  The point at which two chord members are joined together to form a single member. It may occur between panel points or at a panel point.?
• SPLIT TRUSS
  Trusses used where a fireplace, skylight, etc. intersects the truss span, parallel or perpendicular to the truss.
• SQUARE CUT
  A cut perpendicular to the slope of the member at its end.
• STRESS DIAGRAM
  Graphical depiction of axial forces and moments as they interact within the members of a truss.?
• THIRD POINT
  Point on a Fink (T43), truss where the webs connect to the bottom chord.
• TOP CHORD
  An inclined or horizontal member that establishes the upper edge of a truss, usually carrying combined compression and bending stresses.
• TRUSS
  A pre-built component that functions as a structural support member. A truss employs one or more triangles in its construction.?
• WEBS
  Members that join the top and bottom chords to form the triangular patterns that give truss action, usually carrying tension or compression stresses (no bending).