WOODEN ROOF TRUSSES

• Excessive Loading

Failures often result from added weight beyond the original design capacity—such as multiple layers of built-up roofing, rooftop mechanical equipment, suspended ceilings, or other retrofitted elements.

• Material Defects & Workmanship Issues

Long-term loading can expose flaws in wood quality or construction. Bowstring trusses, the most prevalent type, are particularly vulnerable to tension failures caused by knots, poor grain orientation, or misdrilled bolt holes.

• Forklift Impact

In warehouse environments, lower chords and support beams are frequently damaged by forklifts—typically due to limited driver visibility or operational oversight.

• Environmental Exposure

Trusses exposed to extreme heat, moisture, or corrosive chemicals—especially in heat-treating or anodizing facilities—are prone to degradation. Inadequate ventilation is a leading contributor to such failures.

• Design Deficiencies

Certain original truss designs, such as Bowstring & Summer Bell trusses, feature structural limitations. For example, insufficient bolt end distances in tension web members can lead to shear failures—particularly when ceilings are suspended from lower chords.

• Comprehensive Inspection & Reporting

We conduct thorough on-site evaluations, including photographic documentation, root cause analysis, and a detailed written report outlining recommended repairs.

• 24-Hour Emergency Shoring

SPS provides rapid-response temporary shoring to stabilize compromised trusses, ensuring occupant safety and preventing further structural damage.

• Engineering & Design Solutions

Our experienced engineering team delivers tailored repair plans and specifications. With decades of field-tested techniques, we welcome collaboration with owners and consulting engineers.