It is the roof truss that supports the weight of whatever material is used for the roof, be it slate or tile. The truss itself can be made from either timber or steel and is then bolted together. It consists of pieces of straight wood joined together in triangular shapes to support the weight of the roof. Typically triangular in their final shape, roof trusses are made off site and transported to location where they are lifted into place before being secured.
Trusses are becoming increasingly popular due to their many benefits, a few of which we will explore in this article. Primarily, a roof truss has immense strength due to its structure which disperses weight evenly. The interior walls are not load-bearing but all weight is transmitted to the exterior walls. This creates and safer and sturdier construction as weight is balanced out on the house.
Roof trusses are also incredibly versatile. They can be used on any scale of building from small sheds to auditoriums. This is because there are a vast range of types of truss. Just about any shape can be custom built with roof trusses. Kingspost and Queenspost are the most common and trusted, they are durable and able to withstand a lot of pressure. Made of timber they are reliable and versatile. Fink trusses can be used on larger scales, while vaulted Cathedral-like ceilings can be achieved using scissor trusses.
An efficient and practical choice, roof trusses cut down on building time as they can be erected quickly and are an economic means of creating extra living space in your home as they eliminate the need for steel beams and purlin walls. They span into the external walls, leaving no restrictions on your ground floor. This also greatly increases the value of your home.
Another benefit of roof trusses is the cost. Roof trusses are a cost effective choice for your building project, due to being built from shorter lengths of timber they in turn cost much less. Additionally, as they are made off site, labour is often reduced and as a result your costs will be cut.
Trusses are the most widely used form of roofing solution and unlike alternative methods, accuracy is guaranteed with roof trusses as they are computer designed and factory assembled.
A roof is only as strong as the trusses beneath it and therefore it’s important to choose the one that is right for your project. With a variety of styles and advisors on hand with a wealth of knowledge and experience, why not call in to Haldane Fisher to discuss the roof truss options for your next project.