When to Order Roof Trusses

Ordering roof trusses too late will result in lost man hours and money. If you don’t order your trusses in time for your project you’ll run into either idle time on the jobsite waiting for components to arrive. Or you’ll have components delivered that you’re not ready to install which can result in them sitting in the elements on your jobsite. By learning when to order your roof trusses you’ll keep your jobsite free of delays and protect your investment.

Roof trusses and floor trusses are manufactured to your specific project. These prefabricated roof trusses and floor systems are made from engineered wood and come pre-assembled at the manufacturing plant. Since they’re not available on the shelf at your local building supply you need to understand when to order your trusses.

When to Order Roof Trusses

When should I order roof trusses? Typically you’ll want to start the process of ordering your trusses 4-8 weeks before framing. This will allow for design, engineering, lead time at the plant and delivery to your jobsite.

There are many things that go into the manufacturing process of roof trusses. It takes more than just nailing a few metal plates to some pieces of wood. There is engineering software that’s used to model your roof trusses and they must be reviewed by a professional engineer. They then have to wait in line at the plant and be delivered to your jobsite. Ordering your trusses too late can delay multiple trades on your jobsite.

Floor truss lead time may also vary from roof truss lead times depending on your project. When you understand how long it takes to order roof trusses you can add that to your initial critical path schedule for your project.

How Long Do Roof Trusses Take to Manufacture?

Roof trusses take about 1-3 weeks to manufacture. However you should expect lead times of 4-8 weeks to have your trusses delivered to your jobsite.

When you understand the steps involved in the truss ordering process you can better plan out your jobsite. After your blueprints are received by the plant your roof will be designed by one of their engineers. Your roof truss design will need to be approved by you or your engineer.

Once your plans are approved your order will be placed in the queue at the plant. Lumber will be cut and pressed together with metal plates to create your roof trusses. Your trusses will then be scheduled for delivery to your jobsite.

What Information Do I Need to Order Trusses?

You’ll need to provide the manufacturer with your architectural drawings. These will need to include measurements of your home and what type of roof you want to have on your project. You’ll also need to know the loads that your trusses will need to support.

Providing the manufacturer with as much information as possible will help speed up the process of ordering trusses.

Here’s a list of information you should know before ordering trusses:

• Architectural Drawings | Know your elevation and ceiling heights. Also know what type of roof pitch you want on your project.
• Loads | What type of loads will your roof trusses need to support? Check with your local building department to confirm the loads required in your area. This may include snow loads, wind loads or dead loads.
• Framing Walls | What type of walls will you be using to frame your home? You’ll want to let the manufacturer know if you’re using 2×4’s or 2×6’s. You should also know where your load bearing walls are located.
• Jobsite | What does your jobsite look like? Will the manufacturer need to know about any power lines that may be near your jobsite?

Quick Tip: Make sure your jobsite is ready for delivery. Make sure your walls are framed and plumb. You’ll also want to make sure you have enough room for the truck to back up to your jobsite. If you have any power lines near your jobsite you’ll want to let the delivery driver know.

What Makes Roof Trusses Deliver Late? 

Roof trusses can be late for many reasons. If you don’t provide the manufacturer with complete drawings they won’t be able to design your roof trusses. If you make changes to your plans after they’ve been queued at the plant, this can also cause your trusses to be delayed. Another reason trusses may be delayed is waiting until your permits are approved to order them.

When many builders ask themselves when to order trusses for a house they don’t order them until their permits are approved. While you shouldn’t have your trusses manufactured until your permits are approved you can have your plans designed and reviewed by the manufacturer. This lets you fix any issues with your plans before your permits are approved.

If you make changes to your plans on the jobsite you’ll want to let the manufacturer know. If you need to move a wall or change your ceiling vault you’ll want to let them know so they can update your shop drawings. This may cause your trusses to be delayed because they’ll need to be redrawn.

Roof Truss Lead Time, by Season 

Roof truss lead times can vary by season. During the spring and summer months you may notice lead times increasing. This is because there’s more demand on the plants during these months. If there’s a lot of commercial construction going on in your area you may also see lead times increase.

As you can see there are many factors that can affect your roof truss lead time. If you have any questions about lead times contact your local truss manufacturer. They’ll be able to tell you what their current lead times are and help you plan for your project.

Why Order Trusses Early? 

Ordering your trusses early offers many benefits. By ordering your trusses early, you can: 

• Have your jobsite scheduled for delivery. Once you know when your trusses will be arriving you can schedule your crew to install them.
• Make changes to your plans. If you order your trusses early you have more time to make changes to your plans.
• Lock in your price. By ordering your trusses early you can lock in your price and not worry about lumber prices increasing.
• Have your trusses delivered in order. Your trusses can be delivered in the order that you need them installed.

Let Latco Truss Help With Your Project 

If you’re looking to order roof trusses for your next project contact Latco Truss. We have years of experience designing and manufacturing roof trusses and floor trusses for residential and commercial projects. We offer fast lead times and can have your trusses delivered to your jobsite in a timely manner.

We offer roof trusses and floor trusses for residential and commercial projects. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services.

If you’re planning on building a home, commercial building or agricultural building contact Latco Truss today. We can help you with all of your truss needs.

Frequently Asked Questions 

When should I order my trusses? 

You should order your trusses 4-8 weeks before you plan on framing your project. This will give the manufacturer time to design your trusses and have them manufactured and delivered to your jobsite.

Can I order floor trusses and roof trusses at the same time?

Yes you can order floor trusses and roof trusses at the same time. This will allow the manufacturer to design both sets of trusses at the same time.

Will my trusses be delivered in order? 

Yes your trusses can be delivered in the order that you need them. Latco Truss can deliver your trusses in the order that you need them installed.