The Lightweight

Steel Frame
House Construction
Handbook
Getting Started
Chapter One
1-1

Getting Started
1-2 The Lightweight Steel Frame House Construction Handbook
Introduction
Lightweight steel framing is increasing in popularity amongst homebuilders. Framing techniques and
details are now available that largely eliminate the need for engineering services. The purpose of this
Handbook is to provide the builder with general design guidelines, common practices and
insights concerning successful lightweight steel construction. This Handbook describes a
method for framing the floors and walls of single family residential buildings and other small
buildings using lightweight steel members. This Handbook can be used only in conjunction
with lightweight steel framing (LSF) products evaluated under the CCMC Technical Guide for
Lightweight Steel Framing Components. Engineering design services are required for all other LSF
construction applications.
Code Compliance and CCMC Reports
The Canadian Construction and Material Centre (CCMC), a part of the National Research Council
of Canadas Institute for Research in Construction, offers the construction industry a national
evaluation service for new and innovative materials, products and services in all types of construction.
A CCMC evaluation is an impartial, technical opinion on the suitability of a product for its intended
use, usually with respect to the requirements of the National Building Code of Canada and, in many
cases to provincial codes including the Ontario Building Code. CCMC ensures that its evaluations
are based on the latest technical research and expertise. CCMC Reports and Listings are utilized
throughout the country by building officials and other authorities as a basis for determining the
acceptability of products.
Please check with your local building official with respect to the acceptability of CCMC reports
in establishing Code compliance.
The prescriptive span and height tables, along with floor and wall opening details contained in this
document have been evaluated by CCMC for conformance to Part 9 of the NBCC 1995. Therefore,
construction using CCMC certified framing elements in accordance with this Handbook will
conform to Part 9 of the NBCC 1995.
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The Lightweight Steel Frame House Construction Handbook 1-3
Lightweight Steel Framing:
An Alternative Framing System
Generally speaking, the process of building lightweight steel framed homes does not differ
significantly from the methods used for wood framed construction. Walls, floors and ceilings are
built by a repetition of light frame members. Typical wood framed truss assemblies or built-up wood
roof systems can be used directly over steel frame walls and floors. Steel solutions for these systems
exist, but require the input of a design professional and are beyond the scope of this document.
Despite the similarities between LSF and wood framing, there are important differences that must be
understood and considered during design and construction. Confidently addressing these differences
will allow for trouble-free construction. Specific troubleshooting issues are addressed in Chapter 9.
Building Science Insight: Advantages of Steel Framing
Getting Started
1-4 The Lightweight Steel Frame House Construction Handbook
Working with Other Trades
Construction of a new home requires the co-ordination of various trades. Later chapters in this book
describe specifically how other trades may be affected by working on an LSF house. As a general rule,
let the trade know beforehand that they will be working on a steel framed house and what additional
tools and accessories may be required.
During the design process remember to configure members which promote arrangements for ease of
installing wiring, insulation and services.
Common Practices
The framing methods presented in this Handbook are a sample of those used in current practice and
as such, are not necessarily intended to represent the best or only methods available. Other details
and engineered designs are available that are equally suitable and may be more efficient for particular
building geometries. For additional framing details, refer to the CSSBI publication Low Rise
Residential Construction Details.
In-line Framing
When supported by steel framed walls in accordance with this manual, a steel framed floor shall be
constructed with floor joists in-line with loadbearing studs located below the joists. Generally, the
maximum distance between the centre lines of the joist and the stud shall be limited in accordance
with Figure 1.1.
design.
Figure 1.1
In-line Framing
Tolerance Limits
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The Lightweight Steel Frame House Construction Handbook 1-5
Scope and Limitations of this Handbook
This manual applies to the construction of lightweight steel framed walls and floors for detached
single family dwellings and multi-family row houses up to three storeys in height that would fall
within the scope of Part 9 of the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC 1995). For applications
outside this scope, or for building projects not constructed under CCMC certifications, design and
construction must conform to the requirements of NBCC Part 4. Involvement of a design
professional is required for all design and construction not specifically described in this manual.
Consult your local building official for advice in this area.
The CSSBI does not assume any professional liability for the adequacy of these provisions.
Professional advice should be sought if there is some question of the appropriate application.
The methods identified in this manual apply to buildings that conform to the application limits
identified in Figure 1.2. This Handbook includes Member Selection Tables (Appendix A).
Manufacturing Standards
Lightweight steel framing members are manufactured in Canada to the requirements of ASTM C645
and ASTM C955. These standards specify framing member minimum dimensions and establishes
material and structural requirements for both loadbearing and non-loadbearing members. To ensure a
high level of production quality, CSSBI manufacturers also follow the CSSBI publication Quality
Policy Manual for the Fabrication of Residential Lightgauge Steel Framing.
The design of LSF members is well refined and has benefited from many years of research and
development. The design of all cold formed steel structural products in Canada, including
loadbearing steel framing members described in this document, must conform to the requirements of
CSA Standard S136 North American Specification for the Design of Cold- Formed Steel Structural
Members, as referenced by the NBCC.
Figure 1.2
Applicability Limits
Applicability Limits
Application Limitation
metric (imperial)
Building Area 600 m
2
(6460 sq ft) maximum
Number of Stories 3 storey maximum
Building width 13.4 m (40 ft) maximum from eave to eave including
0.6 m (24 in) x 2 overhang
Building Length 18.3 m (60 ft) maximum
Hourly Wind Pressure, q (1/30) Up to 0.6 kPa (12.5 psf )
Specified Roof Snow Load Up to 2.5 kPa (52.2 psf )
Seismic Parameters Z
a V Zz
1 0.05 0
2 0.05 1
4 0.10 2
NOTE: Only metric values are official, imperial values are for convenience only.
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1-6 The Lightweight Steel Frame House Construction Handbook
Loadbearing LSF members must be cold formed to shape from structural quality sheet steel
complying with the requirements of one of the following material specifications:
a) ASTM A653/A653M, Specification for Steel Sheet, Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) or Zinc-Iron
Alloy-Coated (Galvannealed) by the Hot-Dip Process; or
b) ASTM A792/A792M, Specification for Steel Sheet, 55% Aluminum-Zinc Alloy-Coated by
the Hot-Dip Process.
The minimum yield strength of all loadbearing steel members and connected accessories with a
design thickness 1.146 mm (0.0451 in) or less shall be 230 MPa (33,000 psi). For design thicknesses
1.438 mm (0.0566 in) and greater, a minimum yield strength of 340 MPa (50,000 psi) is specified.
For framing members supplied as part of a CCMC certified building project, each loadbearing steel
framing member will have a legible label, stamp or embossment with the following information as a
minimum:
1. Manufacturers identification, and
2. CCMC certification number.
The manufacturer may also include additional information such as a member size and material
designation.
LSF members and accessories must have a minimum metallic coating complying with Figure 1.3.
Other metallic coatings are permitted provided it can be demonstrated they have a corrosion
resistance that is equal to or greater than the corresponding coatings listed and provide protection at
cut edges, scratches, etc. by cathodic sacrificial protection.
Similar to traditional framing materials, LSF members shall be located within the building envelope
and adequately protected from direct contact with moisture from the ground or the outdoor
environment. The coating designations shown in Figure 1.3 assume normal exposure conditions and
construction practices. It is recommended that the aluminum-zinc alloy coated steel not be used in
contact with fresh concrete.
Codes and Regulations
All construction must conform to the requirements of local building codes, or in their absence, to the
requirements of the National Building Code of Canada. All construction must be acceptable to the
authority having jurisdiction.
Non-loadbearing lightweight steel framing is covered by Section 9.24 of the National Building Code
of Canada 1995.
Loadbearing lightweight steel framing as discussed in this Handbook has been evaluated by the
Canadian Construction Materials Centre for conformance to the provisions in Part 9 of the National
Building Code of Canada, as permitted under NBCC 1995 Section 2.5 Equivalents
The design of member capacities for structural members are in accordance with Part 4 of the NBCC.
Figure 1.3
Minimum Metallic
Coating Requirements
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The Lightweight Steel Frame House Construction Handbook 1-7
Framing Members
Lightweight steel framing members are manufactured using a cold forming process that shapes sheet
steel into a C shape profile, as shown in Figure 1.4. Stringent profile and length tolerances are
typical of products manufactured from steel. The manufacturer of the steel framing members may be
consulted for details.
The stud and joist sections have flanges stiffened with a lip to increase member strength (Figure 1.4).
Track sections are made with unstiffened flanges that are angled slightly inward to temporarily hold
the studs in place before being secured with a fastener, and also to allow the studs to bear directly on
the track web. Figure 1.5 illustrates cross-sections of some of the various configurations of stud and
track that may be assembled to create built-up sections for headers, jambs, and lintels.
Figure 1.4
Framing Member
Cross-Sections
Figure 1.5
Built-up Sections
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1-8 The Lightweight Steel Frame House Construction Handbook
Standard Loadbearing Members
The standard loadbearing residential steel framing members used in Canada are listed in Figure 1.6.
These sections, spaced up to 610 mm (24 in) on centre (o.c.), can be used for a variety of floor and
wall loading conditions. The Member Selection Tables (Appendix A) and LSF manufacturers
catalogues should be consulted for section properties and availability. Non-standard sections are also
available or can be manufactured by special request, but standard sizes are recommended to ensure
ready supply and to enable standardized load tables. A list of LSF manufacturers is available from
the CSSBI.
Standard Non-loadbearing Members
The standard non-loadbearing framing members sizes commonly used in Canada are listed in Figure
1.7. Any loadbearing stud may also be used in a non-loadbearing application; however, non-
loadbearing members (studs or track) may never be used in a loadbearing (axial and/or wind loading)
applications.
Figure 1.6
Standard Loadbearing
Member Sizes
Figure 1.7
Standard Non-
Loadbearing Member
Sizes
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The Lightweight Steel Frame House Construction Handbook 1-9
Standard Track Sections
Standard track sections (see Figure 1.4) are available to accommodate all sizes of joists and studs. It is
important to note that track sections are not designed to carry structural loads without the in-line
placement of loadbearing framing members. Engineered design is necessary when in-line framing is
not used.
Built-up Sections
Track sections can be combined with C- sections to form built-up sections (see Figure 1.5) to use as
floor beams, headers, lintels, trimmers, jamb or jack studs, and at other locations requiring extra
strength. All built-up sections should be made from members of equal thickness, and fastened
together at least every 610 mm (24 in) o.c. The sections used in these built-up members must be
continuous lengths, unless their purpose is non-structural (i.e. closing off rough openings).
Tables are shown in this Handbook which provide the capacity of several types of built-up members
most commonly used in the construction of steel framed homes. Other configurations may be
assembled, but their capacity must be determined by a design professional in accordance with CSA
Standard S136.
Accessories
Manufacturers of lightweight steel framing also produce a range of accessories required for residential
construction, including flat strap bridging, web stiffeners, and clip angles.
Horizontal Wall Bridging
Horizontal flat strap bridging is used to provide rotational restraint for loadbearing studs and is
attached to both faces of the stud (see Figure 1.8). Flat strap bridging is at least 38 mm wide and
0.879 mm thick (1-1/2 x 0.0346 in) sheet steel material. The design of the stud will dictate the
maximum spacing of these straps as shown in the Member Selection Tables (Appendix A) or the
manufacturers catalogues. If exterior structural sheathing (e.g. OSB or plywood attached directly to
the stud) is used, the flat strap bridging is not needed on that side of the stud, however it still must
be installed on the interior stud flange.
Web Stiffeners
A web stiffener (as shown in Figure 1.9) is used in all locations where a concentrated load acts on a
floor joist or track section. A web stiffener is a short piece of loadbearing stud with a thickness at least
0.879 mm (0.0346 in). The stiffener has a 38 mm ( 1-1/2 in) wide flange to allow it to fit within the
Figure 1.8
Horizontal Flat Strap
Wall Bridging
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1-10 The Lightweight Steel Frame House Construction Handbook
41 mm (1-5/8 in) flanges of the joist. The minimum length of the stiffener shall be the depth of the
member being stiffened minus 9 mm (3/8 in). Stiffeners can be installed on either side of the joist
web, fastened to the joist with at least 3 - #8 screws. The LSF fabricator normally supplies these
stiffeners as part of the floor joist package.
Clip Angles
Clip angles are needed to connect floor joists to headers, lintels to king studs, or headers to trimmers
(see Figure 1.10). Clip angles shall be at least 1.438 mm (0.0566 in) thick and the length must be no
less than the depth of the joist minus 25 mm (1 in). The number of screws connecting the clip angle
depends on the size of the members being connected.
Fasteners
Screws are used almost exclusively in lightweight steel framing. A self-drilling sheet metal screw
(SMS) can drill the hole and securely fasten materials together. These screws come in a variety of sizes
and head types to fit a full range of requirements. In special circumstances, or for highly repetitive
installations, specialized tools and other forms of mechanical fasteners such as pneumatic pins or
welding may be more economical. The LSF fabricator, fastener supplier or tool supplier can provide
additional information. The connections in this guide are limited to screw fastening only.
Figure 1.9
Web Stiffener
Figure 1.10
Clip Angle
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The Lightweight Steel Frame House Construction Handbook 1-11
Note that the #8 screws often specified in this Handbook are minimums and that larger screws may
be needed for thicker members.
Screw Head Types
Self-drilling screws are manufactured in a variety of head configurations to meet specific installation
needs and installers preferences. The most common driving recesses for the screw head are the No. 2
Phillips and No. 2 Robertson. The following list describes the various types of screw heads available,
which are illustrated in Figure 1.11.
Pan Head: This head configuration generally fastens studs to track, connects steel bridging, strapping
or furring channels to studs or joists, and steel door frames to studs.
Hex Washer Head: This head style is commonly used for fastening thicker framing components and
accessories, exterior connections and connections that do not interfere with finishes. The washer face
provides a bearing surface for the driver socket, assuring greater stability during driving. The 8 mm
(5/16 in) size head is most common.
Pancake Head: An extremely low profile head commonly used for attaching metal lath to steel
framing or in areas where rigid finish material is to be installed over the tops of the screws. These are
also sometimes referred to as wafer head screws.
Bugle Head: This head style is designed to slightly dimple gypsum wallboard, plywood sheathing or
other finishing materials without crushing the material or tearing the surface. It leaves a flat, smooth
surface for easy finishing.
Wafer Head: Larger than the flat or bugle head, the wafer head is used for connecting soft material to
steel studs. The large head provides an ample surface yet sits flush to achieve a clean, finished appearance.
Low-Profile Head: This head style is commonly used for connecting LSF components when rigid
finishing materials are to be used
Figure 1.11
Screw Head Types
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1-12 The Lightweight Steel Frame House Construction Handbook
Trim Head: Used for fastening wood trim or thicker dense material to steel studs. The small head
sinks into the trim material, allowing easy finishing with minimal disturbance of the material surface.
Oval Head: Used when an accessory that will be attached to the framing has oversized holes (e.g.
electrical boxes) and for attaching cabinets and brackets to framing.
Screw Point Type and Thread Configuration
There are two common screw point designations used in residential steel framing: sharp point and
drill point (see Figure 1.12). Sharp points are for steels up to 0.879 mm (0.0346 in) thick and may
have a sharp needle or piercing point similar to that currently used for sheet metal in HVAC systems.
Drill points are designated for individual sheets up to 12.7 mm (0.5 in) thick and have a shorter,
fluted tip specifically designed for drilling.
Depending on the thickness of the material being connected, the threads along the shank are held
back from the point of the screw to prevent the threads from engaging the steel until the drilling
process is complete. This prevents over-drilling the first ply or stripping the threads after partial
penetration. At the other end of the screw, the threads do not continue to the screw head. When
connecting wood or other rigid material to steel, this allows the screw to draw the plies together with
minimal lift-up of the wood or rigid material.
Minimum Screw Sizes
Most connections in residential steel framing are required to carry loads dictated by the structural
design of the building. Figure 1.13 specifies the minimum screw size depending on the total sheet
thickness being connected. Connections of non-structural elements such as drywall, trim, cabinets,
and insulating sheathings can use any appropriate fastener type or size.
Figure 1.12
Sharp Point and
Drill Point
Figure 1.13
Screw Sizes for
Steel-to-Steel
Connections
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The Lightweight Steel Frame House Construction Handbook 1-13
Tools
Many of the procedures and tools used in framing with LSF members are similar to those used with
wood. In addition to the tools normally used in wood frame construction, those required for LSF
construction are listed below.
184 mm (14 in) chop saw c/w abrasive saw wheels (metal cutting wheels with tooth pattern
also available)
variable speed, reversible (VSR) screw gun with clutch (2500 rpm max)
8 mm (5/16 in) hex driver tip
#2 Phillips and #2 Robertson screw tips
vice grip clamps - 11R
vice grip clamps - 6R
metal snips
felt tip permanent markers
minimum 1.2 m (4 ft) magnetic level, 1.8 m (6 ft) preferred
Optional tools might also include:
power shear or nibbler
metal hole hand punch
The tools used most often are metal snips, VSR screw guns and circular or chop saws. Ensure that
these are in good working order before beginning the project.
Ordering Material and Site Storage
House plans utilizing wood framing can be converted to steel framing using this manual and the
Member Selection Tables (Appendix A). As well, LSF fabricators may be able to provide guidance on
converting a wood design to steel. Engineering services may be required for aspects of the
construction falling outside the scope of this manual.
Local LSF fabricator representatives or building supply distributors who carry steel framing
components can provide current information on framing availability, pricing, and local applications.
As well, some fabricators may provide guidance for design, on-site training, and proper tool selection
and use.
Colour Coding
The Canadian manufacturers of residential steel framing colour code one end of the loadbearing
section (joists and studs) so that the thickness of the steel can easily be identified in the field. The
standard base steel nominal design thicknesses and corresponding colour codes are shown in Figure
1.14. Note that these are the common colours, but
others are also used. To avoid confusion, the preferred
method of ordering is by decimal thickness (mm or
inches).
Cut Lists and On-Site Cutting
Pre-cut steel framing members delivered from the LSF
fabricator make the construction of stick-built steel
houses somewhat different from those framed out of
wood. Pre-planning and proper assembly become
particularly important. Pre-planning establishes the
framing member thicknesses and lengths that become a
Figure 1.14
Colour Codes for
Standard
Thicknesses
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1-14 The Lightweight Steel Frame House Construction Handbook
cut list, which is used to order from the LSF fabricator. The LSF fabricator normally provides most
cut-to-length studs, joists and accessories. Members of varying lengths are then carefully assembled
on-site as per the drawings.
Lead-time for delivery of cut-to-length steel sections is usually very short: consult the LSF
manufacturer for an exact schedule. Some standard sizes and lengths may be stocked by the LSF
manufacturer. Typically, lengths under 1.2 m (48 in) are cut on-site. Check with the LSF
manufacturer for their cutting practice. Manufacturers may pre-cut sections for web stiffeners,
bridging, lintels, and cripple studs used around windows and doors. Track is normally sold in
standard lengths, and can be ordered in special lengths for specific residential applications. The
standard track lengths used in residential construction are different than those commonly used in
commercial construction to accommodate structural applications where splicing is not allowed.
Cutting lightweight steel non-loadbearing studs can easily be done with metal snips. For occasional
cutting of thicker loadbearing studs or joists, electric shears or nibblers are convenient. When a
considerable amount of field cutting is necessary, a chop saw with an abrasive blade speeds up the
construction process.
Framing Overview
There are three basic ways to frame a house: stick-built on-site (platform or balloon framing),
panelized, or modular construction.
Each of these methods is used to build homes across the country today, but stick-built construction
remains the most popular method. For multiple-unit projects or projects utilizing a repetitive design,
panelization (prefabrication) may be used in a cost-effective manner. Wall, floor and roof panels that
are pre-assembled in a factory can be shipped directly to the construction site and quickly erected.
Manufactured housing, where an entire home or construction unit is assembled in a factory, may be
employed to good advantage, particularly when the unit is required in an area not well serviced by
the residential construction industry (e.g. remote or undeveloped locations).
In-line Framing
When supported by steel framed walls in accordance with this manual, a steel framed floor shall be
constructed with floor joists in-line with loadbearing studs located below the joists, within the lilmits
set out in Figure 1.1.
Screw Connections
Minimum screw sizes for steel-to-steel connections shall comply with Figure 1.13. Self-drilling sheet
metal screws (SMS) are required when the total thickness of steel exceeds 0.879 mm (0.0346 in).
Sharp point screws are acceptable for steel thicknesses of 0.879 mm (0.0346 in) or less. The
minimum corrosion protection for screws shall be 0.008 mm (0.0003 in) of zinc or equivalent.
Other types of connectors can be used with LSF such as power actuated pins, metal press joining or
welding. For specific requirements for these alternative connectors, consult a design professional.
Requirements for Screwed Connections
The size and number of screws required for a sound connection are specified in the appropriate
sections of this manual. The following requirements also apply:
Head Styles, Threads and Point Types: Application conditions and manufacturer
recommendations shall determine the head style, thread and point type to be used. These
features are not structural properties of the screw.
Screw Size: Figure 1.13 specifies the minimum size of screws to use.
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The Lightweight Steel Frame House Construction Handbook 1-15
Penetration: All screws must extend through the steel a minimum of three (3) exposed
threads.
Edge Distance: The minimum distance from a screw to a free edge of the steel member shall
be 1.5 screw diameters.
Spacing: The minimum centre-to-centre spacing of screws shall be 2.5 screw diameters.
Corrosion Resistance: All screws shall be coated with 0.008 mm (0.0003 in) of zinc, or
another coating that provides equal or better corrosion protection.
Procedures for Screwed Connections
A variable speed (0-2500 rpm), reversible industrial strength screw gun equipped with a clutch
assembly and a minimum 4.5 amp motor should be used for driving screws into steel framing. The
gun should be run slowly to start the screw, then faster to finish. Once the screw goes through the
steel sheets, the clutch should disengage so that the screw does not strip or break. If a screw is
stripped, or continues to rotate, another screw must be installed. Pre-clamping members with locking
C-clamps reduces the tendency of the framing elements to separate during screw installation. For
best results use a screw gun that has a torque clutch that can be adjusted to the required setting.
Wood to Steel Connections
When connecting a wood subfloor to steel joists, #10 wafer head plymetal reamer self-drilling
fasteners are suggested, although #8 bugle head screws are also often used. There are collated screws
available for this purpose to use with screw guns that have extension handles to make the job easier.
Space the screws at 152 mm (6 in) o.c. along the sheet edges and 305 mm (12 in) o.c. in the field.
The minimum edge distance must be at least 10 mm (3/8 in). When fastening thicker wood
members, refer to your fastener manufacturer for the proper fastener.
Ensure compatibility of fasteners with treated lumber. Contact screw manufacturer for details.
Adhesives are often used in addition to screws to attach the subfloor to the joists. The use of
adhesives improves the stiffness of the structural system and prevents differential movement between
the floor joists and the subfloor that might result in annoying squeaks later on.
Steel to Wood Connections
When connecting steel sections to wood sections, #10 wood screws are used. The screw threads need
to penetrate at least 25 mm (1 in) into the wood to provide sufficient anchorage. It may be necessary
to pre-drill clearance holes through thicker steel sections since the wood screws do not have a drill
point.
Screwing Non-Loadbearing Framing
The standard fastener for interior non-loadbearing framing is the #6 x 11 mm (7/16 in) pan head
sharp point screw. These screws are easily driven through the track and flanges of non-loadbearing
steel studs with a cordless screwdriver. The pan head provides a finish suitable for drywall sheeting.
Clinching can also be used for this type of framing.
Screwing Drywall
For steel thickness up to 0.879 mm (0.0346 in), drywall should be applied with a #6 x 31 mm (1-1/4 in)
sharp point drywall screw. For heavier steel thickness, a drill point drywall screw is available .
Finish Work
An air nailer is most commonly used to fasten baseboards, mouldings, and other finish elements to
steel framing. Finishing screws are also available.
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1-16 The Lightweight Steel Frame House Construction Handbook
Safety
Simple safety practices can eliminate most injuries and are an important aspect of daily work on a job
site. Each province has their own health and safety act and this should be adhered to at all times.
Working with steel presents specific health and safety risks that you should be aware of, some of these
include:
Steel becomes very slippery when wet or covered with ice.
Steel exposed to sunlight or freezing temperatures may become extremely hot or cold to the
touch.
It is important to always remember that, unlike wood, steel conducts electricity. Always pay
attention that steel members are not in contact with an electrical source in order to prevent
the risk of electrocution.
Joists are not stable until they have been properly braced by a subfloor. Similarly, workers
should not stand on the top track of a steel wall. The steel track may deform under the
weight of a person.
This is by no means a comprehensive list. Consult your local Ministry of Labour and inform yourself
of all necessary precautions to protect yourself and others on site.
Design, Drawings, Permits and Cut Lists
There may be any number of details that must be designed by a design professional, and these must
be included in the building permit application.
Once architectural drawings have been prepared they should be sent to the truss manufacturer, or to
the design professional if they are designing the roof. Truss and roof drawings must also be part of the
building permit application.
The builder must create a cut list from the plans, which lists all the members required for the job.
Often, the manufacturer will help you with this task.
Getting Started Checklist
Y N
Pre-Planning Set up meeting with building official
Set up meeting with manufacturer
Set up meeting with designer
Set up meeting with electrical inspector
Manufacturer Cut list
Delivery Schedule
Accessories - clip angles, web stiffeners, strapping, blocking,
fasteners, grommets, standoffs
Trades Qualify all trades for steel construction
Ensure proper layout for HVAC and plumbing stacks, toilet traps