Roof Trusses—Things You Should Know

There are a number of things about roof trusses youshould know if you are preparing to have a new home orsome other type of structure built. The roof of a structureis supported by a crucial framework called a roof truss. Aroof truss is essentially a frame that is made of wood, or insome cases metal sections, that are held together by steelconnection plates. The main function of a roof truss is tomake sure that the overall weight of the roof is distributedequally, as well as all individual sections of the roof,thereby increasing its lifespan.

There are many different types of roof truss designsthat can be used when designing and building a structure,each of which is unique in its own ways. The truss designthat is chosen for a construction project will depend onthe type of roof that is being used for the structure. AKingspost truss is a-shaped and very broad with asupport bar strategically placed in the middle to connectthe top and bottom sections. Sometimes a Queenspost isused if there is additional weight that needs to besupported.

While there is much debate as to whether metal or woodtrusses are the better option for providing a roof with thenecessary support, there are still many people who chooseto use wood trusses when building new homes. One of theprimary reasons for the popularity of wood trusses is thatthere are individual pieces that make up the truss and theycan be modified on the building site to get just the right fitfor the walls of the structure. These modifications arerelatively easy to make on the building site, which is one ofthe reasons why so many contractors prefer to use woodtrusses.

When it comes to matters of safety, metal trusses are notnoticeably better than wood trusses. The overall qualityand durability of wood trusses depends on the specifictype of wood that is used as well as the manufacturingprocess. A well-built wood truss will never collapse as awhole at one time, but instead gives way in smallincrements, allowing whoever may be in the structure toget out safely. There are many different manufacturers ofwood trusses in Kansas, but it is important that youchoose the very best professionals to meet your specificneeds.