What is a roof truss?

Building a new home? You'll have plenty of decisions to make as you work with your architect, including the type of roof it'll have. One option is using trusses, which are prefabricated, engineered wooden frameworks that provide structural support for a roof. They act as the roof's "skeleton" and help distribute loads evenly across the exterior walls.

Trusses in construction aren't new. They were first used in Bronze Age homes, according to Britannica . Now, many roofs rely on these pre-engineered, triangular frameworks, typically fabricated from wood, steel or a composite, to provide structural integrity. Using computer-aided design (CAD) programs and factory assembly, trusses are cost-effective and easy to install. Best of all, roofs with trusses may need 40% less wood than traditional roofs, according to Elliotts , one of the U.K.'s oldest building suppliers. With supply costs reaching historic highs in recent years, according to the National Association of Home Builders , this adds up to significant savings.

Types of roof trusses

There are many different types of roof trusses to choose from, each with its own advantages. Here's a look at some of those most commonly used in construction.

• Attic trusses:Attic trusses create space for extra storage in homes, sheds, garages or additional living areas in the attic. They have stronger base structures to accommodate the weight of a floor and anything built on top of it.

• Fink roof trusses:These trusses can span between 16 and 46 feet and are often used in residential construction to achieve high-pitch roofs. They have a characteristic "V" shape that looks almost like a spider web.

• King-post trusses:Many smaller-sized homes use these trusses, which span between 16 and 26 feet. They have a central vertical post (the "king post"), supporting two angled rafters that meet at the apex and a horizontal tie beam connecting the base of the rafters.

• Mono trusses:Mono trusses slope in one direction and work well for porch roofs, sheds and barns. The single sloping beam allows the truss to create multi-level roof lines.

• Queen-post trusses:These simple, stable and versatile trusses span between 16 and 40 feet. Residential and commercial buildings alike use these strong, easy-to-build trusses.

• Scissor trusses:Resembling scissors (hence the name), scissor trusses are often used in larger living rooms and bedrooms to create a vaulted ceiling, and are typically a visible feature.

Pros and cons of using roof trusses

Trusses have both benefits and drawbacks. Here's a look at both.

Roof truss pros

Trusses are engineered using triangular configurations, which are inherently strong. This design allows for the efficient transfer of weight (from things like snow and ice) from the roof surface to the supporting walls. If you live in an area that experiences frequent snow, this can help a lot with the added weight from roof ice dams .

Off-site fabrication optimizes material use and reduces waste. Pre-assembled trusses arrive on site ready to install, which minimizes the time and labor required for roof framing. Plus, trusses require less labor than hand-framed roofs.

Builders use CAD programs to create intricate, customized trusses that accommodate various roof shapes and pitches. Their ability to span large distances without internal load-bearing walls enables open floor plans, which many people favor in their homes. Trusses can also handle more complex roof geometries, increasing design flexibility.

Truss construction uses resources efficiently by requiring less material (typically engineered lumber and steel components) and generating less waste. Some byproducts of the manufacturing process are also recyclable, contributing to more sustainable construction practices and reducing impact on landfills.

Roof truss cons

Most roof trusses are concealed within the roof, so you're less likely to get an exposed, decorative look that traditional framing might provide (unless you opt for a scissor truss). Due to their design, trusses may also occupy more vertical space compared to traditional framing methods, which can decrease the amount of usable attic storage or living space.

Since trusses are typically prefabricated, there's less flexibility for on-the-fly modifications during installation. This limitation can create challenges for customer design requests or projects requiring adjustments that aren't easily accommodated by standard truss configurations.

Transporting and positioning large truss sections can present logistical hurdles, especially in areas that are tricky to access, like remote, mountainous regions. This can increase installation time and complexity. For example, many roof trusses are installed using cranes, especially on larger homes.

If it becomes damaged, repairing a truss can also be tricky. It may not be feasible to do a partial repair, and repair costs can soar if you have to completely replace the damaged truss. With roof replacement costs already high, adding a replacement truss to the mix could make things less affordable.

Are roof trusses the right choice for your home?

Prefabricated roof trusses have many benefits, from affordability to waste reduction and structural integrity. Opting for trusses could even save you 30% to 50% compared to materials and labor required for on-site rafter construction, according to Legacy Service USA LLC , a Pennsylvania-based construction company. This has contributed to their increased popularity over the past few decades.

Trusses are a particularly good option for those with easy access to the build site and a limited construction budget. Just keep in mind that they're less customizable than traditional framing, and they may leave less space for finished attics or upper floors.

Curious about other roofing phrases and terms you might hear during the construction process? Check out our guide to roof dormers, gables and valleys , as well as our guide to roof eaves .

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