Roof Truss Vs Roof Rafter

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.

Roof truss vs roof rafter.

The two main types of roof supports are rafters and trusses. Rafters are most often seen in older homes while trusses are increasingly replacing the conventional rafters in new build residential properties. It s also simpler to accommodate a home addition with rafter roofing. Rafters for open design.

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

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. Experienced carpenters can install the roof trusses on an average home in the u s. 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. While rafters are less and less frequently used today due to the higher cost of rafters vs trusses they do have certain advantages.

The type of construction you have will dictate the approach on how to repair your home. In this guide we will define roof trusses and rafters and explain the pros and cons of each for comparison. There are significant cost differences when considering a truss style roof vs. It is certainly true that trusses are more commonly used than rafters.

Which do you have. Trusses like rafters form the profile of the structure s roof. A rafter style roof for a home. 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.

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. They re more economical to build and offer the same or greater roof strength. As a result you can create open space under the roof. Rafters take a tremendous amount of time to install at the job site compared to roof trusses.

Rafters 0n the other hand could take as much as a week to install. However unlike rafters trusses are pre assembled before being installed. Both will do a fine job in keeping the roof over your head but each functions in a slightly different manner. You will find rafters in most older homes as they were the popular construction method for many years.