Roof Trusses Vs Roof Rafters

Just as there are many types of roofs with many roof parts there are many different types of roof trusses this extensive article explains through a series of custom truss diagrams the different truss configurations you can use for various roofs.

Roof trusses vs roof rafters.

Stick framing is flexible and may be altered without compromising the structure. Rafters provide more storage space and a wider variety of roof design options while trusses offer strength and an easier installation process. Though they use completely different processes there are pros and cons to each method. As trusses are prefabricated they may be costlier than rafters however the installation and labor cost involved in roof rafters is comparatively higher than trusses.

Rafters are better for smaller sheds while trusses are better for larger sheds since they are difficult to install on smaller buildings. Roof truss basics roof trusses are engineered wood alternatives to hand framed rafters. Roof trusses have been used in the majority of new homes during recent years. Unlike stick built rafter construction that is done on site most trusses are made in a factory and delivered to the work site ready for installation.

It s also simpler to accommodate a home addition with rafter roofing. Though the stick process is an older process it is still very popular. Live loads are not always present. As a result you can create open space under the roof.

It is certainly true that trusses are more commonly used than rafters. Experienced carpenters can install the roof trusses on an average home in the u s. Rafters could take an entire week to be installed whereas trusses could be installed in a day which means trusses could save a lot of time. Rafters 0n the other hand could take as much as a week to install.

The truss is a framework consisting of rafters posts and struts which supports your roof. Trusses for a shed. While rafters are less and less frequently used today due to the higher cost of rafters vs trusses they do have certain advantages. For good looks as in the case of vaulted or cathedral ceilings as well as practical purposes like building an extra bedroom home office or storage.

They support live and dead loads by efficiently transferring the loads to the building walls or supports. They re more economical to build and offer the same or greater roof strength. There are two ways to put up a roof using the stick method or using the roof truss method. A typical home roof construction is composed of multiple trusses spaced out evenly over a span extending from one end of the house to the opposite end.

So what are the advantages of rafters vs. While this article focuses on configurations we also have a very cool set of illustrations showcasing the different parts anatomy of roof trusses. Examples of live loads are snow wind rain and temporary construction loads. We will also outline the best uses of each so you can decide whether rafters or trusses are the right choice for your building project.