Roof Trusses: Making A Difference to Construction Industry
These days, the roof of a house is more than just a functional structure. It also protects everything underneath it from elements of heat, rain, ice, and more. So, when building a new house, you will see the triangular design frame that sustains the horizontal, vertical, and inclined loads. And through roof trusses, you can create a roof frame to make the room look more pleasing to the eyes.
Managing construction also involves roofing always to keep up and remain innovative. Therefore, you’re going to need a construction crew management plus a professional to include the building of roof trusses for roofing. That’s why in today’s blog, you will know how roof trusses are making a difference, especially in remaining competitive in project management for construction.
Definition of Roof Trusses
The word “truss” is described as the triangular design in Structural Engineering. It’s a straight structure that comes in straight pieces to form triangles and support a load. Nowadays, since construction businesses and industries are usually using a construction inventory app, you can add roof trusses to the underside of the roof. It would help you come up with a course and fine detail when you’re still in the process of planning.
Moreover, roof trusses use timber and steel. It comprises lightweight pieces and a truss that provides help in transporting and assembling, unlike the conventional roof structures. However, trusses can be more labor-intensive and would require connection devices in managing construction.
What are the Benefits of Roof Trusses?
For years, roof trusses gained popularity because they supported a roof. So it’s no secret that roof trusses for framing have evolved for years among contractors and home builders. It’s even a part of construction scheduling software and even construction software for small builders.
So, what are the benefits of using roof trusses for roofing systems? First, let’s look at the key benefits of including roof trusses in your roofing system.
Cheaper labor cost
One good thing about roof trusses is it reduces the expenses for construction. You can’t always expect it to be pricey. It’s very affordable since you don’t need an experienced carpenter to get the job done.
- It balances the weight of the roof.
With roof truss systems, it could balance the weight of the roofing system and the exterior design of the building. As a result, home developers could come up with open-concept living spaces effortlessly.
- Wall interior for future renovation would be easy to remove
Another advantage of having roof trusses is to remove walls easily when you intend to renovate in the future. In addition, carpenters or roofers can easily haul the walls; so, it’s not going to cost you additional charges.
- It comes with numerous designs.
Roof trusses come with multiple designs in making the roof’s framing. So whatever concept or style you want for your house, you can choose from many roof trusses that meet your needs.
- Steadfast and convenient
Another benefit of a roof truss is its versatility. It gives convenience, and you can find it anywhere. Just make sure that you refer a professional architect or structural engineer to make sure that you will find a suitable truss that meets the requirements of building codes.
What are the Different Types of Roof Trusses?
When you’re putting up project management for construction, you want to make sure that you give your clients lots of choices when it comes to choosing the suitable roof trusses for their homes.
- Attic Trusses
These are typical overhang and stubbed eaves used in constructing a building where it needs a livable space within a roof zone. These are intended for larger timber sections to provide extra loadings and let people stay within the truss zone.
- King Post Trusses
Known for their central and vertical posts used in architectural projects, the King Post trusses always save the day. This truss works best in tension to consistently provide support to the beam below the truss apex. It usually measures 5 to 8 meters, making it ideal for home expansions, like a garage or those short-span projects.
- Queen Post Truss
Simple, reliable, and flexible, the queen post roof truss can be used simultaneously. It is also identified for its durable features, that’s why it’s a bit costly. It usually comes 10 meters long and comes with a simple design that is perfect for large buildings.
- Standard Fink Trusses
One of the most common types of trusses used in building new homes is the standard fink truss. The standard fink trusses are common in building houses in the UK. Local housebuilders mostly use it.
If you plan to put up extensions, parking space, or self-build projects, the standard fink trusses got you covered. The position will allow some storage space and can put up things such as water tanks.
- Scissor Trusses
Scissor trusses are used as another design for living and master bedrooms. You can observe that the lower chord members tend to make an inclined ceiling. It looks pretty similar to scissors; that’s why it was named after it.
Furthermore, it offers support to the ceiling in the same way as ordinary trusses. Just think about a Cathedral structure, as the roofing is one of the best examples of using scissor trusses.
- Howe Trusses
Howe Trusses come with upper and lower parts. It combines wood and steel or both. The only thing that makes this truss remarkable is that it is wide. It conceals everything up to thirty meters. This is commonly used for large and wide project types.
- Mono Trusses
Mono trusses are sloped in just one direction and are typically used in building entrance passages and roofs with hip ends. However, mono trusses can also be used to come up with new roof buildings.
- Pratt Trusses
One of the most common steel trusses in the construction industry is the Pratt truss. Because Pratt truss is affordable and reliable, many contractors prefer to use it. In addition, they are known to protect lengths that range between 6–10 meters, so it’s ideal for minimal projects. It also includes slanting members sloped downwards the center, which happens to be the opposite of Howe Truss.
- Raised Tie Trusses
Many clients want a ceiling that has a sloping design for their room. If this is the case, the raised tie trusses are going to be ideal to use. Moreover, if you’re familiar with Velux Windows, the raised tie trusses can be helpful as well.
- North Light Roof Trusses
For a wide set of lattice girders with support trusses, the recommended truss to use is the North Light roof trusses. It may be old, but there are still those who would want to use it because it is affordable. You will notice the north light roof trusses if you happen to pass by drawing rooms, industrial buildings, and large spaces establishments.
- Parallel Chord Roof Truss
Parallel Chord Roof trusses come with two chords that are parallel to each other. It’s usually supported by firming up trusses at the center of the bottom and top. That’s why parallel chord roof trusses are popular to most roofing businesses because it reduces condensation and forming of mold since it is prone to vapor barrier.
- Gable Truss
Gable trusses are known to many as the roof’s ‘bookends.’ It helps as the end support of the roof is built on the ends always to support roof sheathing. It is used for most housing gable roof construction that depends on the design of the roof. Moreover, gable trusses are commonly used to combine other types of roof trusses.
Understanding the Differences of Trusses and Rafters
There is another option that will support your roof called the rafters. Both come with triangle shapes and the same purpose. However, there are differences between the two that make people unsure of what to use. Here are the common distinctions that you should be aware of.
- Roof trusses come in a ready-to-install structure on the roof. While rafters need to be cut and must be built on-site.
- Roof trusses can be produced off-site and always accessible when they have already reached the site. At the same time, rafters need more time, costs, and work.
- Roof trusses have many beams that would add better support to the roof. On the other hand, rafters comprise only two outer beams to provide support to the roof structure.
Conclusion
It’s no wonder why roof trusses have been part of web-based inventory software for construction. Construction companies now utilize trusses as the main means of support and framing for the roof. I hope the advantages and the common types of roof trusses mentioned in this article have helped you decide if it’s worth integrating this into the roofing system.
And if you are managing construction, it would be better to explain this to the client and understand how it works for the building. It’s worth the money you spend, and it’s going to be a good investment to most homeowners.
