In this guide we will define roof trusses and rafters and explain the pros and cons of each for comparison.
Roof truss vs roof rafter.
Which do you have.
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.
The two main types of roof supports are rafters and trusses.
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.
Unless you re planning on building a flat roof structure you will have to decide whether you ll be using rafters or trusses for the roof framing.
They re more economical to build and offer the same or greater roof strength.
Trusses consist of two lengths of lumber that create the upper edge of the truss a bottom chord that connects the two opposite ends of the top chord and a series of supporting webwork in the middle.
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.
Both will do a fine job in keeping the roof over your head but each functions in a slightly different manner.
While this article focuses on configurations we also have a very cool set of illustrations showcasing the different parts anatomy of roof trusses.
It s also simpler to accommodate a home addition with rafter roofing.
It is certainly true that trusses are more commonly used than rafters.
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.
Rafters are most often seen in older homes while trusses are increasingly replacing the conventional rafters in new build residential properties.
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.
You will find rafters in most older homes as they were the popular construction method for many years.
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.
However unlike rafters trusses are pre assembled before being installed.
A rafter style roof for a home.
As a result you can create open space under the roof.
Stick framing is flexible and may be altered without compromising the structure.
Trusses like rafters form the profile of the structure s roof.
The type of construction you have will dictate the approach on how to repair your home.
Because of the professional expertise and time required for rafter construction roofs built using rafters can cost as much as 50 more than roofs built using trusses.
Rafters take a tremendous amount of time to install at the job site compared to roof trusses.
While rafters are less and less frequently used today due to the higher cost of rafters vs trusses they do have certain advantages.
Rafters for open design.
There are significant cost differences when considering a truss style roof vs.
