An Old Debate: Cutting Trusses To the Editor: We at the Wood Truss Council of America (WTCA) would like to respond to the recent article “Retrofitting a Skylight in a Truss Roof” (2/02) by Les Deal. As a trade association representing the metalplate- connected wood truss industry, we believe that this article did not cover some very important safety considerations with regard to altering trusses. This article goes against one of the fundamental accepted practices in our industry: Never cut, drill, or alter truss lumber or plates. Any field modification that involves the cutting, drilling, or relocation of any structural truss member or connector plate shall not be done without the approval of the truss manufacturer or a licensed design professional. In the
