Roof Truss Versus Rafter

Throw in the element of a construction budget and this is where rubber meets the road.

Roof truss versus rafter.

What is a rafter. For one you must consider the complexity of the project. Cost comparison of roof rafters vs trusses. 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.

A rafter is a traditional roof framing method in the form of elongated lumber that s normally inclined from a central ridge beam and joins with the outer walls. Expect to pay between 6 and 9 a square foot for rafter framing. 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. Live loads are not always present.

They support live and dead loads by efficiently transferring the loads to the building walls or supports. Rafters vs trusses for shed. Roof truss basics roof trusses are engineered wood alternatives to hand framed rafters. 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.

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. A typical 2 000 square foot home framing costs between 7 000 and 12 000 for a truss roof. Examples of live loads are snow wind rain and temporary construction loads. Why has this change occurred and what are the advantages and disadvantages of rafters vs trusses.

Constructing a roof using rafters is also known as stick framing which simply means that each rafter is built on site with lumber every piece of lumber is carefully measured cut and tightened together labor. Stick framing is slightly more because of increased labor. In finished space insulation is placed between the rafter boards and drywall or other material is fastened to the face. This 26 span truss with a 4 12 roof pitch is the most economical truss we can build.

While this article focuses on configurations we also have a very cool set of illustrations showcasing the different parts anatomy of roof trusses. The same is true if we make it steeper. Rafter boards are fastened to the ridge board at the peak and the top plate where they join the wall. If we go any larger it will require more webbing inside the truss which will directly affect the cost of the truss.

Although there are similarities the factors you need to consider when determining whether to use rafters or trusses for your shed roof can be quite different for a house than for a shed.