Roof Truss Basics

Trusses are structural frames that support loads by efficiently transferring loads to end supports, mainly the bearing walls of a building.
Trusses also play a key role in the construction of the roofline and ceilings of a building.

There are numerous benefits to building your roof with trusses. Every truss is computer designed to handle specific loading and spacing
requirements. Each truss is precision cut, so there is uniformity from one truss to the next. Trusses are convenient because they are
lightweight and allow for faster and easier installation compared to other framing systems. Trusses feature an open web design that
makes it easier to install electrical, plumbing and heating and cooling systems in your building. Trusses are available in many different
styles and provide greater flexibility for the interior layout of your building, including partitioning and room arrangement. Because
trusses are set on the outer bearing walls of a building, the interior layout can change before and after construction.

Span
The span of a truss is the length of the bottom
chord covering the width of the room or structure
that the truss is covering. The span should not be
confused with the overall width of the truss, which
includes the overhangs.

Pitch and Slope

The pitch and slope are ratios that identify the angle of the roofline
and are important to keep in mind when shopping for trusses. The
pitch is the ratio of the overall rise of the roof compared to the
overall span of the roof. The overall rise is measured from the top
of the top plate to the highest point of the roof in a vertical line.
The overall span of a truss is the length of the bottom chord
covering the width of the room or structure that the truss is
covering. For example, if the overall rise of a roof was 5' and the
overall span was 28', the pitch would be 5/28.
The slope of the roof is the incline of the roof expressed as a
fraction describing the rise over the run. The run or the base
number is 12". The rise will be the elevation change over the 12".
The example to the left shows a slope of 6/12. In this case, for
every 12" of horizontal distance, the slope will rise 6" vertically.
Keep in mind the higher the rise, the steeper the roof. If you live in
an area that has long, cold winters, you may want to have a
steeper roof pitch as flatter roofs will accumulate snow and
rainwater for longer periods of time.

Common (or standard) trusses are symmetrical and have a

standard 4" heel. A truss with the same pitch and heel on both
sides and a peak at the center is called a common truss.

Energy trusses are designed to allow greater insulation depths at

the heel. Most standard residential trusses can achieve R-values
of 11 or 13 near the sidewall. Energy trusses have raised heels, so
they can reach R-values of 30 or higher.

Girder trusses are designed to carry additional loads other than

standard roof loads. These loads can be other trusses that attach
by sitting on top of the girder or they may hang off of the side of the
girder using truss hangers. Girders may also be designed to
accommodate special applications or designs.

Post frame trusses are designed to be placed at spans greater

than 2' on center. Post frame trusses can be used for agricultural,
commercial or industrial use.

End trusses close in the end of a building and provide a nailing

surface for the upper end wall or rigid sheathing. These trusses are
positioned on the top plate of the endwall so the entire bottom
chord is supported by the wall. Any weight imposed on the end
truss is directly transferred to the endwall, which transfers the
weight to the foundation.

Spread web storage trusses are engineered to have a small area

to allow storage within. The center webs are usually wider to allow
for storage in the center of the truss. This storage area is not
meant for occupancy, but allows for storage up to 25 pounds per
square foot.

Scissor trusses are designed with a slope on the outside and

inside. The bottom chords are angled to create vaulted ceilings.
There are variations of this design to create numerous unique
ceilings. Parallel chord trusses allow for greater interior clearance
in buildings. The offset scissor truss has a bottom chord that
features a flat and vaulted portion. The partial scissor truss is
similar, except that the bottom chord slopes up in one direction
while the remaining portion is flat.

The bobtail truss has the same pitch on each side, but the peak is
not in the center of the span. One end of this truss will have a taller
heel than the other side.

Mono and vaulted mono trusses are only sloped in one direction.
The highest point on the truss is adjacent to the building. These
types of trusses are often used to create multilevel roof lines or
when constructing additions to an existing building.

A cantilever truss allows for level overhangs, such as patios,

porches, entryways and other offsets in the building elevation by
moving the bearing from the end of the bottom chord up to 1/4 of
the span into the interior of the bottom chord.

Gable room-in-attic trusses provide an economical way to add

extra living space to your home or garage.

The gambrel room-in-attic truss also provides extra living space,

while giving your roof a barn-like appearance.

Hip sets are used to construct hip roofs, which are roofs that slope
from all sides. This system consists of a girder truss, corner girder,
corner jacks and end jacks. There will be step-down trusses from
the girder truss to the peak. At the peak, common trusses are used
to complete the run.

Valley sets are used to form the ridge line and framing between the
main and secondary roof structure and can be common, dual pitch
or mono-shaped in their design. Valley members may also be used
for decorative gables, dormer, porches and more. Valley sets
consist of a series of simple trusses in increments of 4'. Flat top
valley members are supplied when they are required for hip roof
applications.

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