Terminology

Bearing – A structural support, usually a beam or wall that is designed by the building designer to carry the truss reaction loads to the foundation.

Bottom Chord – An inclined or horizontal member that establishes the bottom of a truss.

Heel Joint – The point on the truss where the top and bottom chords intersect.

Overhang – The extension of the top chord beyond the outside of the bearing support.

Peak – Point on the truss where the sloped chords meet.

Plumb Cut – A top chord end cut to provide for vertical (plumb) installation of fascia.

Slope - The incline angle of the roof described in inches of rise per foot of run (e.g. 4/12)

Span – Term generally used to communicate out-to-out span or overall span of a truss design.

Square Cut – End of the top chord perpendicular to the slope of the member. Cut made at 90 degrees to the length of the member.

Top Chord - An inclined or horizontal member that establishes the top of the truss.

Truss – An engineered structural component, assembled from wood members, metal connector plates and other mechanical fasteners, designed to carry its own weight and superimposed design loads.

Web Member – Member that joins the top and bottom chords to form the triangular patterns typical of trusses.