APEX / PEAK
The uppermost point of a truss.

BEARING
A structural support, usually a wall, that occurs at the top or bottom chord or between the end points of a truss.

BOTTOM CHORD
A horizontal or inclined (ie. Scissor truss) member that establishes the lower edge of a truss.

BRACING
May refer to Lateral, Temporary or Permanent Bracing indicating members installed to resist movement.

CANTILEVER
Extension of the bottom chord beyond its support – exclusive of overhang.



CLEAR SPAN
Horizontal distance between outer edges of supports – also truss span.

DEAD LOAD
Any permanent load such as the weight of roofing, flooring, sheathing, insulation, or ceiling material, as well as the weight of the truss itself.

DROPPED GABLE
Gable truss in which the top chord has been dropped vertically in order to allow outlookers to form an overhang.



GIRDER TRUSS
Truss specifically designed to carry additional loads such as other trusses, beams or stick framing.

HEEL
Point on a truss at which the bottom and top chords generally meet, measurement is taken from the bottom of the bottom chord to the top of the top chord vertically.

HIP SET
Refers to trusses used to create a hip roof as shown in sample.
view sample

LATERAL BRACE
A member placed and connected at right angles to a chord or web member of a truss.

LIVE LOAD
Any loading which is not of a permanent nature (eg. Snow, wind)

OVERALL RISE
Vertical distance from bottommost part of the bottom chord to uppermost point of the peak.

OVERHANG
The extension of the top chord of a truss beyond the heel measured horizontally.

PANEL POINT
The point where a web or webs intersect a chord.

PEAK
Point on a truss where the sloped chords meet.

PARMANENT BRACING
Reinforcing members that are installed in a system that are intended to remain permanently.

PIGGYBACK
Where a truss may be too tall to build and/or deliver it may be divided into two separate parts with a ‘piggyback’ resting on top of a base truss.



PITCH
Inches of vertical rise for each 12 inches of horizontal run.

PLUMB CUT
Top chord at overhang is cut plumb to the building in order to allow for installation of fascia.

RIDGE
Line formed by truss apexes.

SLOPE
See Pitch.

SPACING
Distance between centerlines of trusses – usually 24” O.C.(on center).

SPAN
Horizontal distance between outside edges of supports.

SPLICE
The point at which two members are joined to create a continuous member, a top or bottom chord.

STUB
Reduction of overall length (or height) of a truss without changing the remaining portion of the truss.



TEMPORARY BRACING
Members installed to brace system during erection and installation.

TOP CHORD
An inclined or horizontal member that establishes the upper edge of a truss – rafter in conventional frame.

TRUSS
A self-contained triangulated frame designed to clear span between supports.

WEBS
Members that join the top and bottom chords to form the triangular patterns that give the truss strength.

view parts of a truss diagram