Roof Truss Vs Rafter

While this article focuses on configurations we also have a very cool set of illustrations showcasing the different parts anatomy of roof trusses.

Roof truss vs rafter.

The reason for this is that flat or shallow roofs withstand much more abuse and loads than steeper roofs making wider shed roof rafters a necessity. Cost comparison of roof rafters vs trusses. Trusses only use 2 4 lumber and are constructed using a web of 2x4s for strength. Stick framing is slightly more because of increased labor.

How much does roof framing cost. Examples of live loads are snow wind rain and temporary construction loads. Roof framing has undergone a quiet revolution over the past half century. The same is true if we make it steeper.

Lastly remember that we are not talking about trusses in this article just rafters. The method that utilizes rafter roof construction is generically known as stick framing the rafters are lengthy planks usually 2 x 10s or 2 x 12s that slope down from the central ridge beam at the peak of the roof intersecting with the outside walls. Throw in the element of a construction budget and this is where rubber meets the road. Expect to pay between 6 and 9 a square foot for rafter framing.

Trusses for residential homes. Again trusses can create this same open area but not quite as efficiently. This 26 span truss with a 4 12 roof pitch is the most economical truss we can build. Rafter boards are fastened to the ridge board at the peak and the top plate where they join the wall.

The insulation will go between the rafters and drywall will be applied directly to the face of each member. Steeper roof pitches require longer webs which add to the cost. This can take several weeks. 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.

Trusses are gradually replacing the conventional rafters to the point that nowadays more than 80 percent of new residential construction uses trusses to support the roof. One other benefit to using rafters over trusses is the lead times. The boards creating the slope of the roof are wider than lumber used to build trusses 2x8s 2x10s and 2x12s are most common in rafters vs. In finished space insulation is placed between the rafter boards and drywall or other material is fastened to the face.

Roof truss systems require engineering and drawings. Live loads are not always present. If we go any larger it will require more webbing inside the truss which will directly affect the cost of the truss.