A roof is an essential part of a building since it protects home occupants from harsh outdoor weather conditions and enhances security. Notably, roof framing has evolved over the years with designs moving away from over-reliance on ceiling joists and rafters to trusses. A roof truss is essential because it offers support to a roof thereby giving it a longer lifespan. As a new homeowner, you might opt to build your trusses from scratch, but that can consume a lot of time, materials and money. As such, pre-fabricated roof trusses from manufacturers could be an ideal alternative. Here are some useful facts about roof trusses that prospective homeowners should know.
Types of Trusses -- Roof trusses are available in different types such as flat, gambrel, dual-pitched and bowstring. A flat truss lies between two load-bearing walls, but it is not necessarily flat since it slants slightly to allow water to flow from the roof. A Gambrel truss has steep sides that provide enough room below the ceiling such as the attic. A bowstring roof truss is ideal for supporting the immense weight of a large building. The dual-pitched truss is unique because it provides open space that is clear from any obstructing beams.
Consider the Weather -- Roof trusses can suffer damage if left exposed to weather elements for a prolonged period. You might experience construction delays that run for weeks or even months thereby leaving trusses exposed to changing weather conditions. For example, when subjected to prolonged and excessive rain and sunshine, timber might split, distort, or get damaged by fungi. Weather elements will cause roof trusses to lose shape and arc, whereas the nail plate will start to rust and pop out. When this happens, you might want an engineer to inspect the trusses before replacement. Most importantly, if you know that the trusses will not be installed soon, cover them with a weatherproof material such as tarpaulin, but ensure that you have adequate room for ventilation.
Quick Installation -- Unlike conventional rafters that are built on-site, trusses are pre-fabricated off-site and are easy to install. When delivered on-site, the truss system will often be installed using a crane within a few hours. Therefore, the overall time of construction is reduced; thus, a home's interior is not exposed to weather elements or dust.
Low Expenses -- The best part about trusses is that they are custom-built off-site to reduce labour expenses. Trusses are made using smaller pieces of timber that are joined by plate connectors. This way, trusses can stretch longer distances at a considerably lower cost compared to other roofing support materials like steel beams.
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