Rafter Vs Truss Attic

Rafters cost more than trusses as their installation process is labor intensive.

Rafter vs truss attic.

While this article focuses on configurations we also have a very cool set of illustrations showcasing the different parts anatomy of roof trusses. It s also simpler to accommodate a home addition with rafter roofing. 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. 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.

Trusses are prefabricated roof structures whereas rafters are assembled on site. Trusses provide strength and ease of installation while rafters though requiring more time and expertise to install allow for more storage space in your shed s attic and a wider variety of roof styles. Trusses can create vaulted ceilings but they are not quite as efficient at opening up a space as traditional rafters. The picture above is actually going to be a master bedroom closet over a garage.

As a result you can create open space under the roof. The role of the horizontal beam is to tie the truss together and carry the load that would otherwise be sustained by the support and vertical timber also known as the king post. Trusses can be custom configured to accommodate some vaulted ceilings but it is basically a non standard procedure that requires special considerations. Best uses for trusses vs.

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. A rafter with a rafter tie at the bottom is a truss. While rafters are less and less frequently used today due to the higher cost of rafters vs trusses they do have certain advantages. Rafters are also useful for creating an open area for living space.

Your home site is easily accessed. 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. Trusses and rafters both offer advantages in roof design. Stick framing is flexible and may be altered without compromising the structure.

Rafters are a better choice for specialty projects. Trusses are composed of multiple beams for added support. In a nutshell trusses are right for most projects. Rafters on the other hand contain two main beams to support the roof.

Attic conversions are now possible by replacing the truss rafters with a shaped trusses or horizontal beams which in return create additional space. Scissor trusses will provide enough steepness for any vaulted ceilings in the plan consult your architect to determine that. You can see how the rafters open up the space to provide maximum storage. You nail connect the rafter tie ceiling joist that ties the bottom ends of the rafters together to make it a truss shaped like a triangle.