Before installing the trusses, we needed to put up a few braces to secure the first truss to so it didn't fall backwards or forward. Next we cut 2x4s into lengths to fashion braces we would install between each truss. This not only helps makes sure the spacing is perfect--24 inches on center--but secures them to each other so they don't fall over.
We called Eagle Tool Rental in Waterville, Maine and rented a crane (it's probably more of a lift, but we're calling it a crane). We got a great deal on renting the crane since it was 4th of July weekend. We picked up the crane on Friday and kept it until Monday, and they only charged us for one day of rental because they were closed for the long weekend and no one else was going to be renting it.
My wife was really excited to operate the crane--like SUPER EXCITED!
We picked up the crane around 4pm, and there was still plenty of daylight, so we got right to work. My father and step-mother arrived on July 2nd to do some coastal sight seeing and help out on the project; my folks were excited to be there to see this construction and happy to be a part of the process as well. By 6pm we had the first truss up in the air. My wife used the crane to lift the trusses, and my brother-in-law, dad, and I used some guide ropes to help swing the trusses into place. The first few took a little longer to get in place, but once we got the hang of it, we got a good rhythm going.
By 8pm we were ready for some food, a cold beer, a shower, and some rest. With daylight quickly fading, we were able to install five trusses before calling it a day.
The next day was the 4th of July and we had a big day planned.
