Rafters take a tremendous amount of time to install at the job site compared to roof trusses.
Roof truss vs roof rafter.
In this guide we will define roof trusses and rafters and explain the pros and cons of each for comparison.
While this article focuses on configurations we also have a very cool set of illustrations showcasing the different parts anatomy of roof trusses.
They re more economical to build and offer the same or greater roof strength.
Both will do a fine job in keeping the roof over your head but each functions in a slightly different manner.
The two main types of roof supports are rafters and trusses.
Stick framing is flexible and may be altered without compromising the structure.
Rafters 0n the other hand could take as much as a week to install.
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.
Trusses like rafters form the profile of the structure s roof.
Which do you have.
It is certainly true that trusses are more commonly used than rafters.
As a result you can create open space under the roof.
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.
Experienced carpenters can install the roof trusses on an average home in the u s.
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.
There are significant cost differences when considering a truss style roof vs.
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.
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.
Rafters for open design.
A rafter style roof for a home.
While rafters are less and less frequently used today due to the higher cost of rafters vs trusses they do have certain advantages.
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.
Rafters could take an entire week to be installed whereas trusses could be installed in a day which means trusses could save a lot of time.
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.
Rafters are most often seen in older homes while trusses are increasingly replacing the conventional rafters in new build residential properties.
However unlike rafters trusses are pre assembled before being installed.
It s also simpler to accommodate a home addition with rafter roofing.
The type of construction you have will dictate the approach on how to repair your home.