Depending on the build schedule, trusses can sit on your job site for weeks or even months before they're installed. If they're left exposed to the weather the entire time, it's worth asking a few questions.
Don't Let Them Sit Unprotected
If it looks like it'll be a while before the trusses are flown, I'd ask your builder if they can be covered.
A simple tarp costs very little, but it helps protect the lumber from sitting in the sun and repeated rain while it's waiting to be installed.
If your builder isn't planning to cover them, I'd honestly spend the $50–$75 and do it myself.
It's cheap peace of mind.
Keep Them Out of Standing Water
This is the bigger issue.
If the truss bundle is sitting in standing water after a rainstorm, I'd bring it up immediately.
Most builders can break the bundle apart and set it on scrap lumber or higher ground to keep it out of the water. It only takes a few minutes, but it helps prevent the wood from sitting in wet conditions longer than necessary.
It's an easy fix if you catch it early.
Check Your Site After Heavy Rain
If you're stopping by your build regularly (which I always recommend) take a quick walk around after a big storm.
Look at where materials are being stored, not just the progress on the house. Making sure things are protected before they're installed can save headaches later.
Most builders do a great job with this, but job sites get busy and things can get overlooked.
A Few Minutes Can Save a Lot of Worry
This is one of those small things that's easy to miss if you don't know to look for it.
That's exactly why I created the Ultimate Home Building Checklist. It helps you know what to look for during every phase of construction, including little details like material storage that can easily slip through the cracks.
