What do the numbers mean on trusses

[peef]

New here, after looking around a bit this seemed like a place to ask a question about the trusses in my garage. I want to put in a finished ceiling, probably sheet rock. I got a little concerned when I noticed the bottom chord has a metal connector. The garage is 24 x 24 with a 4/12 pitch roof. The trusses seem to be 2 x 4 construction and have a stamp 40 psf, 10 psf top chord dead load, 10 psf bottom chord dead load, at 24”. They are at 24” on 2x4 walls. Would it be safe to sheet rock this 5/8.

 

[mike93lx]

The bottom chord can handle 10 pounds per square foot of stuff that isn't moving around, so your ceiling material would qualify. If you think about it in sheet good dimensions, that means each 4' x 8' section is good for 320 lbs. Plenty for sheet rock, insulation and lighting.

All factory built trusses use metal connectors and 24 on center with 2x4 construction would be pretty standard for a 24' building that wasn't designed for storage in the attic space.

 

[Shootinok]

Yep,
…what he said ^^^

 

[peef]

I’m still concerned about where the metal plate is joining the bottom chord together. Does this area need to be reenforced. Maybe with some 2x material spanning the joint, like a splint.

 

[TurnipTruck]

Completely normal to have a gang nail plate over a splice.

Sometimes the use of larger plates are the only difference in load capabilities of the truss, with no difference in the wood members.

 

[BillK]

I’m still concerned about where the metal plate is joining the bottom chord together. Does this area need to be reenforced. Maybe with some 2x material spanning the joint, like a splint.

Why are you concerned ? Like the others said that is how they are all made. The ones in my 24 x 24 detached garage are like that as are the ones in my 22 x 22 attached. Matter of fact that is how all of the joints are. Every truss I have ever seen is made that way.

 

[mike93lx]

I’m still concerned about where the metal plate is joining the bottom chord together. Does this area need to be reenforced. Maybe with some 2x material spanning the joint, like a splint.

Absolutely not. It's designed to be like that...do not modify them

 

[bakmopar]

Absolutely not. It's designed to be like that...do not modify them

Stated very well.

 

[peef]

I was way overthinking this. Thanks for all the help.