A roof truss is a supporting structure that consists of straight pieces arranged to form triangles that support a load. The ends of these pieces are connected to one another through nodes. The pieces are placed under some degree of tension and compression, but they do not bend.

There is some degree of external force at play here which is distributed throughout the structure owing to the way it has been built. A widely popular trick in the construction manual is an economical use of construction materials such as timber or steel. The pieces utilized tend to be light in weight.

Advantages of Roof Trusses

The roof truss has been growing extremely popular in the last couple of years. Roof framing has evolved owing to changes in technology and design. While the traditional rafter roof and ceiling joist methods have remained widely popular for the last couple of years, the roof truss has pulled ahead of them.

There are a number of advantages to opting for roof trusses. Firstly, opting for a roof truss reduces expense. In contrast to conventional rafters which are custom-built, cut, and installed on the construction site, the roof truss is assembled off-site and simply needs to be installed when it is transported to the construction site.

In addition, trusses have a web-like design which is made up of smaller pieces of wood that are connected by tooth plate connectors. The design offers a high degree of strength and covers a large distance which allows builders to forego heavy reliance on interior load-bearing walls.

This not only reduces cost but also allows for an open floor plan as well. Moreover, trusses are made using engineered wood for an indoor facility which means that they are not exposed to external weather elements such as high moisture or temperature. The quality of the product is thus higher.

In a similar vein, there are two other advantages to a roof truss. Trusses offer a quicker installation process since they are partially assembled off-site using automated tools. After the construction, it simply needs to be installed with a crane within one day.

Opting for a roof truss speeds up the process of construction overall, and seals the structure quicker which protects the interior of the home from weather conditions and other elements during the building process. On the other hand, opting for a roof truss lends flexibility to design.

Roof trusses can be configured to cater to any kind of roof shape and design conceivable. Features like unique angles and cross gables tend to increase costs; however, if you opt for a roof truss design, you create room for economical construction of elaborate roof designs and systems.

In addition, since roof trusses are engineered professionally, there is a guarantee of greater precision and finely tuned details in construction which makes them safer and more desirable for use.

Settling on a roof truss offers a maximum speed of construction and efficiency hand in hand with the lowest possible cost in construction while retaining quality.

Types of Roof Trusses

There are a variety of roof truss types to choose from when you are constructing a building. At the center of the various designs is the key tenet of safety. Amongst the various designs are king post, pratt, queen post, Howe, fan, and north light roof trusses.

The King Post roof truss is typically made out of wood. At times, it can be constructed using a combination of both steel and wood, depending on the architect and the choice of the building structure. It opens up to 8m, which makes it ideal for a variety of houses particularly those which are smaller in size.

The Pratt truss is a steel roof truss and tends to be less expensive in comparison to other types. It offers some unique features because of the way it is configured. The vertical members of the truss provide tension to the structure while the diagonal ones bring in compression. The truss typically spans between 6 and 10m which makes it suitable for a range of buildings.

The Queen Post, on the other hand, is a simple and straightforward design that is reliable yet versatile. It has a wide span, around 10m, and fits the bill for a range of designs.

The Howe is a jewel in roof truss designs. It is made up of a combination of steel and wood. The interspersion of two different elements creates a very appealing design. The majority of the roof truss is made out of wood, but the vertical members are made out of steel to enhance the support lent by the structure. It also tends to have a very wide span covering a distance between 6 and 30m. This makes it very unique and versatile.

The fan truss is a very simple design that is made out of steel. It can be used to form a fink roof truss. A central feature of this design is the top chords which are divided into smaller lengths, which creates purlin support within the structure. The span of the fan truss is medium, around 10 and 15m which is suitable for a large number of projects.

Lastly, the North Light roof truss is ideal for larger spans that go up to 20m and may touch 30m. It is an inexpensive option as the truss has a wide and big set of lattice girders with support truss structures. This type has stood the test of time and is an economical choice for the builder while bringing in an adequate amount of ventilation which opens up the room and allows excellent circulation of air.

In addition, the roof lends resistance and tension to the structure. It is also very durable and versatile. The truss fits the bill of requirements for most industrial buildings. However, it can be used for a number of settings, ranging from a drawing room or a lounge, or spaces that have a wide expanse.