Episode 003 1995 - 96 Season

| Wind Reinforcements | Rafter Clips | Cut-in Roofs | Truss Roofs | Truss Floors | Treating Water Stains | Calking Bathtubs | How Much Per Month? | |

To order a Video Tape, call 1-800-TO-BUILD and ask for Episode #003.


 Truss Floors

Al Carrell : You know, for 30 years I've lived in a two-story house and nearly all of that time I've been blessed with squeaking floors. Right after the house was built, we didn't have a problem, but soon we noticed that when people walked across the second floor, they would have squeaks, and it never got any better. Finally, I figured out that when we were going to replace the carpet, I'd get in there and I would screw down the flooring and that would help. And it did, for about three months, and then it started squeaking again. Now, I think there's a better way.

Michael Holigan : There's a much better way Al. Traditionally, builders use a 2x12 to build on top of their second floor. Now they run their 2x12's all the way across and then they put decking on the top of it. Now, a long 2x12 is going to expand and contract as the temperature changes. As it expands and contracts, that piece of plywood decking on top is going to be pulled away and it's going to slide up and down on the nail, or the screw, as in Al's case, and when that slides up and down, it's going to squeak.

A.C.: You probably still think that this is pretty complicated system here because it's got so many little parts. Actually, we went into a factory to see just how these trusses were made.

M.H.: What has happened is the 2x4 is placed on the top and the bottom with 2x4's running in between and then they actually put a fastener on it and they roll it with a press and press in place. Now unlike a screw or a nail, it's not going to move back and forth. So we have a very solid bond where all this wood comes together.

A.C.: And also, each one of these is made to the specifications given by the builder. It's engineered so it's going to have exactly the right effect and when you get 'em delivered to the job site, they're going to all be right.

M.H.: And a great thing about this truss system, which is called a web truss, an open web truss, is that the electrician, the television person, the telephone people, everybody can run their wires through, no problem, they don't have to drill any holes in it and the heating and air person has a much easier time with an open web truss than they would with 2x12's.

A.C.: And also, there is another type of truss that you ought to look into that is equally strong and maybe this is going to be the best way for you to go. It's made out of plywood and that's capped with a 2x4's on the top and the bottom.

M.H.: Now this truss is not going to expand and contract. There's going to be a lot less chance of squeaking, but the real benefit of the truss is strength. We can span a much greater distance with a truss than we can with a 2x12, which means you can have a much more open floor plan down stairs, much more attractive home. Now, after your trusses are installed, they have to put down the plywood decking. You want a solid glue beam on top of each truss all the way across before you lay down your plywood and then attach it with nails or preferably with screws.

A.C.: Absolutely. You're going to end up not having to worry about those squeaks. You just sneak around at night and not get caught.

M.H.: That's right. Make sure your builder uses a truss system instead of a 2x12. It's your money. If they can build a hamburger the way you want, they can build your house the way you want.

Episode 003 1995 - 96 Season

| Wind Reinforcements | Rafter Clips | Cut-in Roofs | Truss Roofs | Truss Floors | Treating Water Stains | Calking Bathtubs | How Much Per Month? | |

To order a Video Tape, call 1-800-TO-BUILD and ask for Episode #003.