Roof Trusses

Roof Trusses

From: Ed

"I have been looking for a small ranch plan on the internet with a basement and 2x6 walls and stick built (rafter roof).

I finally found one I like but has a truss roof. If I buy the plan, is this something that is easily changed to satisfy state codes etc., & if so, by whom?

Hi Ed,

Trusses are used for a reason. They, like Superman, are able to span large distances.

Roof Trusses are incredibly strong.

Trusses are pre-fabricated, triangulated wooden structures used to support the roof. The alternative is to build up the roof's frame with 2x8s and 2x10s. Trusses are quite common these days because they have five big advantages from the builder's standpoint:

1. Because they are built strictly from shorter lengths of 2x4 lumber, they are generally a lot less expensive than on site framing.

2. You can have just about any shape custom-built, and this allows interesting features like cathedral ceilings at low cost.

3. You can span a large distance with a truss and the truss transmits all of the weight to the exterior walls. Therefore, none of the interior walls are "load-bearing," so they can go anywhere and are easily moved later.

4. Trusses go up quickly! With roof trusses, time is on your side. Any skilled building professional can set roof trusses into place.

5. Less labor intensive than conventional framing, wood trusses increase production without adding laborers.

Here is a house using two different types of trusses, common and scissors:


Use a Scissors truss for a vaulted ceiling.    

Today’s home designs call for large “open areas” that either require a truss system (roof and/or floor) OR, an engineered framing system that uses some or all of the following: steel beams, large wood beams, posts, heavier joists & rafters, or supporting walls.


Posts & beams can be replaced with flat trusses.

Trusses are required by all building codes to be engineered by an engineer and have an engineer’s stamp on the truss’s drawings.

Everything needs to be carefully designed when designing a home, regardless of the size house you are planning.

Most home plan providers provide plan modification at a nominal (cheap) price.

Since the roof is such a critical part of the structure, have it done before you buy the plans, otherwise, you will end up paying more to have the modification made locally.

Good luck,

Carl

Note: For those who like to play with calculators, here’s a nifty roof truss calculator Get-A Quote.net

How to buy trusses? Click here for Universal Forrest Products dealers.