Roof trusses are prefabricated frameworks designed to support a roof, floor, or other structure. They incorporate durable triangular webbing that can span fairly long distances. Though trusses have been around since medieval times, stick framing has been around even longer. Stick framing is the term used when a rafter is built using individual pieces of lumber that are assembled at the job site. There are several factors to consider when deciding between wood trusses and stick framing. Show
CostTrusses can save you time and money compared to stick framing. A construction crew can frame approximately two and a half homes using roof trusses in about the same amount of time it takes to stick frame one home. Overall, using trusses consumes 25 percent less wood and 30 times less waste at the job site. A typical job site using trusses only creates ½ a cubic yard of waste. That’s because trusses are designed by computer and produced to factory specs before they’re delivered. Any waste is left at the truss plant and not on the job site! DurabilityWhen investing in your home, you want to know that what you are building will stand the test of time. You want quality and durability when deciding between purchasing trusses or stick framing. Homes built with trusses are more durable because of how those trusses are engineered. They are more stable, with less bounce, and ensure lasting strength and structural integrity that surpasses stick framing. InstallationUsing trusses can shave days off of construction. It also requires less skill and experience from the framer than stick framing because of the engineering that goes into the process when the trusses are constructed before arriving at the job site. To order trusses, expect a quick five to ten-minute phone call unless you have more complicated requirements. Design limitationsFor most jobs, trusses are a superior option, however, there are some special cases where only stick framing will work. These rare cases usually correspond to special types of roofs or designs aiming for a particular aesthetic. For most projects, however, you can order trusses to frame your project. Trusses can also incorporate small rooms, like attics, into their design if you specify that you would like to add them when you order. Otherwise, adding large spaces within the trusswork may require special attention. Which should you choose?Though some stick framers choose to continue doing so simply because that is how they’ve always done it or are not aware of the advances that have taken place in truss construction, building with trusses is a winning choice full of advantages. One of Wheelers senior designers explained the tremendous value added in that “floor and roof trusses are considered a significant upgrade at no additional cost.” Though it may not be feasible to use trusses in every design, call your local truss manufacturer. Innovation in truss design is ongoing and you will find more often than not, there are truss solutions to your creative design challenges. Roof and floor trusses offer significant savings, enhanced durability and shave a substantial amount of time off framing a new construction. Wheelers design team has decades of experience and they are ready to help you find the best solution for your next build. Get Estimates From Roofing Pros At first glance, roof trusses and rafters may seem pretty similar, but they’re actually more different than you might think. Each has its pros and cons, so it’s up to you to decide which one is ultimately right for you. In this article, we’re going to discuss the difference between trusses and rafters. Although trusses are more modern, and they’re slowly but surely becoming more popular, rafters are a classic option that has its own set of advantages. We hope that with the help of this blog, you can determine which type would work best for your home. At Legacy Service, we provide roofing installation and replacement services for homeowners throughout southeastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. Whether you’re looking to install asphalt shingles, metal roofing, or anything in between, let our team do it for you. After all, protecting your family and your home is the most important thing in life. Looking for qualified roofers near you? Find out how much your project will cost Whether you choose roofing installation or replacement, we’ll send out a technician who will provide you with a free estimate. They can also help you decide the winner of this heated debate: roof trusses vs. rafters. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get started! Continue reading to learn more about roof rafters vs. trusses or call us today to schedule a consultation. What’s the Difference Between Rafters and Trusses?Rafters and trusses are pretty similar, especially in the sense that they’re both used for roof framing, but there are key differences that will affect which one you’d prefer for your house. In recent years, trusses have been more commonly used than rafters by residential homeowners in the United States. This is due to the fact that they’re economical to build and offer excellent durability. However, rafters are still beneficial in their own way. Not only are they the traditional way to frame your roof, but they also provide more opportunity for creativity in your home’s design. Those are the main differences between the two types. In the sections below, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of attic trusses vs. rafters in further detail. We’ll explain why trusses have been gradually replacing rafters so that now roughly 80% of new residential construction uses them instead of rafters to support the roof. If you’re interested in installing or replacing your roof, you don’t have to look any further. We’ll present you with all of your options and walk you through the process, so you can decide what’s best for your home. Feel free to contact us at any time to schedule a free estimate. What is a Roof Rafter?You may be wondering, “What is a rafter?” If so, you’ve come to the right place. We specialize in rafters and pretty much all things roofing! A rafter is defined as one of a series of sloped structural pieces (typically wooden beams) that extend from the hip or ridge to eave, wall plate, or downslope perimeter. They’re designed to support the roof deck, shingles, and everything else that goes with the roof. Rafters are the traditional way to frame a roof. This is also known as stick framing, which is cut and built on the job site by a professional carpenter. Major components of a rafter include:
Rafter boards that create the slope of the roof are typically wider than ones used to create trusses. While 2x4s are most common in trusses, 2x8s, 2x10s, and 2x12s are most common in rafters. In a finished space, insulation is placed between the rafter boards and drywall. In an unfinished space, like an attic, insulation is usually laid between the joists. In the next sections, we’ll discuss the advantages and disadvantages of choosing rafters to frame your roof. Rafter ProsAlthough the number of homeowners using trusses have increased in the past half-century, many people still use rafters to frame their roof. As the traditional way to provide structure, rafters have plenty of advantages. They include:
All in all, if you’re seeking flexibility in regards to timespan, the amount of space in your home, or the way you need to transport the materials, rafters may be the right choice for you. Of course, it’s always best to consult with a roofing expert before making your final decision. Rafter ConsAlthough rafters are a popular and high-quality way to frame your roof, they also have a few disadvantages that you’ll want to know about. The cons of using rafters include:
In the next sections, we’ll discuss roof trusses as well as their pros and cons. What is a Roof Truss?You might be wondering, “What is a trussed roof?” And you also may be wondering how trusses differ from rafters. A roof truss is best described as a structural framework of timbers that’s designed to provide support for a roof. They’re also used to bridge the space above a room. They typically occur at regular intervals, and they’re linked by horizontal beams known as purlins. One of the main differences between truss roofs vs. rafters is the fact that trusses are prefabricated wooden structures while rafters are usually built on-site. For trusses, the triangular webbing of structural pieces not only provide support for the roof, but they also tie the outside walls of the home together. Find qualified roofers near you Another key difference between the two is that trusses mainly use 2x4s instead of wider dimensional boards. Since the materials aren’t as strong, more material ends up being used. Trusses have become increasingly popular over the past half-century. In the next sections, we’ll discuss the pros and cons to help you determine if they’re the right fit for your home. Once you know the advantages and disadvantages of each, you’ll have a better idea of which one would be right for you. Let’s get started by reviewing the pros. Truss ProsThere’s a reason why trusses are now being used for about 80% of new residential roof projects. They have tons of advantages and will provide your home with the structural support it deserves. The pros of using a truss system roof include:
Truss ConsAs good as they sounded in the section above, trusses aren’t perfect. Otherwise, we wouldn’t even need to be debating roof rafters vs. trusses. The disadvantages of choosing trusses include:
Which One is Better for Home Roofing?This answer will differ depending on your wants and needs for your home as well as the person you ask. While trusses have significantly increased in popularity over the past half-century, rafters are still used by a great deal of homeowners. Here are the instances when trusses would work better for your home:
Here are the instances when rafters would work better for your home:
Trusses have become increasingly popular over the past 50 years. In fact, a vast majority of new roofs use trusses rather than rafters as framing. We suggest contacting your local roofer to help you determine which one would be right for you. Truss Roof vs Rafters FAQIn this section, we’ll answer your questions about the difference between ceiling joists and rafters, and we’ll also compare the costs of trusses vs. rafters. In fact, we aim to answer any questions that you have about trusses and rafters in this blog. If you have further questions, please be sure to contact your local roofer. If you’re interested in installing or replacing your roof, please feel free to contact us at any time. We’ll send out a technician (either in person or over the phone) who will get your home’s measurements and provide you with a free estimate. Can you replace trusses with rafters?Although it’s technically possible to replace trusses with rafters, it’s best to check with a structural engineer before you make any decisions. Redesigning a roof space potentially interferes with the structural integrity, so not only should you consult an expert, but you should also properly plan your remodel before beginning the process. If you fail to do so, it could lead to expensive and potentially dangerous problems with your roof. If you decide to make adjustments to your roof trusses, please follow these steps to ensure the proper outcome:
What is the difference between ceiling joists and rafters?Rafters and joists are both used in the construction of buildings, but they have a few differences. It’s essential for those who work in the construction industry to understand the difference between the two, and it’s also useful for homeowners to have a basic understanding in case repair and maintenance are needed. JoistsLet’s start with joists. They are parallel horizontal beams that run across an open space. They join the opposite walls in a building to support both the ceiling below and the floor above. They’re usually made from timber, and they come in a variety of widths (usually between 8-12 inches wide). RaftersOn the other hand, rafters run diagonally from the wall plate to the apex of a roof structure. They form the foundation for attachment of the roof boards onto which the final roof covering is fixed. They are typically about 8-10 inches wide. The main difference between joists and rafters is that joists are usually more horizontal to the ground while rafters are used for steeply sloped roofs. Which costs less?Trusses typically cost less than rafters. In fact, prefabricated truss packages will cost about 30-50% less than the materials and labor used to build rafters on-site. They have become increasingly popular over the past 50 years because of their cost-effectiveness compared to rafters. If budget is a significant factor in your roof truss vs. rafter decision, most of the experts will recommend that you choose trusses. Contact Us Today to Schedule a Roof Replacement Estimate!Whether you’ve decided on trusses, rafters, or would like to consult with an expert first, please contact our team at Legacy Service. We provide roof installation and replacement services for homeowners throughout New Jersey, Delaware, and southeastern Pennsylvania. To schedule a free estimate, please feel free to contact us today! Find qualified roofers near you Posted on Mar 10, 2021 in Roof What are the advantages and disadvantages of roof trusses?Timber roof trusses come with a vast array of advantages, including:. They're versatile. ... . They're cost-effective. ... . They're eco-friendly. ... . They're very strong and durable. ... . They're aesthetically pleasing. ... . They can help property owners save energy. ... . Timber can warp. ... . Timber invites pests.. What are the advantages of trussed rafters?Trussed Rafter Roofs
Robust and reliable, they can be used on a wide range of building types including timber frame, masonry and steel frame. Trussed rafter roofs are individually designed components made from kiln-dried, strength-graded timber joined together with durable steel nail plates.
What is conventional roof?Conventional roofs (cold roofs) are the ones where the thermal insulation layer, stonewool or xps, is installed beneath the water-insulation layer. FIBRANgeo BP-series stonewool boards provide excellent thermal insulation, high mechanical properties, sound absorption and fire protection for flat roofs.
What is the difference between roof trusses and rafters?One of the main differences between truss roofs vs. rafters is the fact that trusses are prefabricated wooden structures while rafters are usually built on-site. For trusses, the triangular webbing of structural pieces not only provide support for the roof, but they also tie the outside walls of the home together.
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