Your roof is one of the largest and most stand-out aspects of your home so it pays to take the time to carefully consider your needs before making any decisions.  Employing suitably qualified professionals will ensure that your roof is safe, looks great and stands the test of time, no matter what material you choose.

Executive Frames and Trusses will design and construct your frames, trusses and/or floor joists.  If you are a home handyman or an owner/builder and are not sure of what needs to be done, we will guide you through the process to take the worry out of building.

Here are a few frequently asked questions, tips and hints to help you.

Why pre-fabricated frames and trusses?

Prefabricated frames and roof trusses are manufactured using the latest in design technology to meet the widest range of roof, ceiling and wind loads to suit specific projects and conditions.  Advantages include:

-          Quick and easy to erect

-          The most economical way to roof your building

-          Strong and durable

-          Made exactly to size no material waste

-          Flexibility of design

-          Designed in accordance with building codes and specifications

-          Reduces waste and risk of on-site theft

Roof trusses as a decorative feature?

Why not consider using your timber roofing as a decorative feature in your home.  Exposed beams and cathedral ceilings can all add value and character to your home.  Speak to us about how you can achieve this with our roof frames.

What types of timber do you use, and which one is right for me?

Our frames and trusses are manufactured from Pine, CCA Treated Pine, H2 or H3 Treated Pine and we will discuss with you what timber should be used for your specific job.  All of our frames and trusses are manufactured to relevant Australian Standards and we will advise you when we think your job will benefit from “going beyond” the standard requirements.

What is a Hyspan floor joist?

These are lightweight floor joists made from timber flanges and plywood web material.  They are up to 60% lighter than conventional timber joists and reduce problems associated with shrinking, bowing and twisting, which causes squeaks and unevenness in floors.

Safety First

When it comes to roofs, even the best safety equipment is no substitute for common sense and good judgment. Here are some tips for working safely on a roof:

• If in doubt, don’t.  If you think the job may be beyond your skills, leave it to the pros.  Spending money on a qualified builder or carpenter is better than on a doctor and hospital.
• Pick a clear, calm, cool time of day to work on roofs. Remember, if you are only doing a part roof, existing roofing can be slippery when wet. Wind also poses a danger, and excessive heat can cause burns and exhaust you quicker than normal.
• Wear shoes with a soft rubber sole for extra traction.
• Keep the bottom of your shoes free of mud and dirt, and the roof swept clear of dirt and debris.
• Rope or mark off the ground beneath your work area to let people below know you’re working above. Even the most careful worker eventually drops a tool off the roof. Always look and call out before tossing anything down.
• When you’re not using your power tools, secure them with short lengths of rope or Bungee cords. Keep hand tools and supplies in a 5-gallon bucket hung on a roof bracket. Carefully position ropes and extension cords so they’re not underfoot; they’re very slippery.
• Stay off slate and tile roofs. Loose tiles or slate can fall out and the surfaces are easily damaged if you’re not experienced.
• Use a scaffold (you can hire these from Executive Frames and Trusses) or extension ladder, not the framing to get to the roof and use a safety harness system.

The owner-builder should take extreme care during the installation of roof trusses.  Statistics show more accidents occur during this stage of construction than any other.  The use of the award winning Frook makes this task easier and safer.  Frooks can be hired from Executive Frames and Trusses and delivered with your trusses.

Learning About the Owner Builder Process

While the owner/builder can save a considerable amount of money by taking on those tasks he can readily complete himself and sub-contracting those that are beyond his skill level, it is a task that should not be taken lightly.  Here are some hints and tips we have found on the web to make you life easier.

Before starting a major owner/builder project, you can get information from:

• Attending Owner Builder Courses 
• Department of Fair Trading information booklets about the owner builder process
• Local Council
• Local Building Codes

 And don’t forget about insurances

·          Obtain owner builder Insurance for public liability

·          Theft and damage of materials and tools

·          Property damage

·          Workers compensation for friends and protection for a contractors worker

·          Contactors were asked to provide
workers compensation policies and public liability insurance

Has your contractor got Home Warranty Insurance?

According to the Department of Fair Trading, any work over $5000 requires a contractor to supply home warranty insurance to protect the owner from the contactor not completing the job, bankruptcy of the contractor and faulty or bad workmanship.
Having a tradesperson that can offer home warranty insurance does not mean the tradesperson is reputable or performs work to a high standard as it was discovered in this case. The Owner Builder should ask samples of work completed and references by other owners to research the tradesperson's background and quality of work.

Note: recently changes have/will be made to the Home Warrant Insurance System and the above information was based on the old previous year policy. (2001)

Some Checks to Carry Out on Contractors and Tradespersons prior to engagement

·          Licence Checks on the tradespersons/contractor

·          Complaint Checks against tradesperson/contractor

·          Can you view any previous work

·          Length in Business and whether a change of business name has occurred

·          If the contractor states the can offer Home Warranty Insurance check with the dept of fair trading

·          Do they have workers comp for their workers.

·          Do they have public liability insurance.

Obtaining and Ordering Material

The trades person/contractor, civil/structural engineer, building code may usually advise of a list of materials needed to complete their task.

When you have identified and determined quantity of the Building Material needed

·          Phone around for quotes

·          Search phone books, local newspapers and local areas for building supplies 

·          Ask friends, neighbours tradespersons for recommended suppliers

·          Try to negotiate prices with suppliers

·          Introduce yourself to the sales rep of the local hardware store and building supplies to arrange discounts.

·          Use bargaining power with large order

Roof Tiles

Contact the roof tile companies for discounted roof tiles.

Tiles can be discounted because of a number of reasons

·          Unwanted orders

·          Colour variation/discolouration

·          Dimples on tiles

·          Too much or not enough glaze on tiles

·          Down-graded tiles due to quality control that may still be adequate for building