Rafter Vs Truss Attic

Trusses are prefabricated roof structures whereas rafters are assembled on site.

Rafter vs truss attic.

Rafters on the other hand contain two main beams to support the roof. As a result you can create open space under the roof. If you want to include a specialized ceiling design such as a vaulted or a cathedral style ceiling rafters leave room in the attic for the necessary structure. Trusses are composed of multiple beams for added support.

Rafters cost more than trusses as their installation process is labor intensive. 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 be custom configured to accommodate some vaulted ceilings but it is basically a non standard procedure that requires special considerations. Your home site is easily accessed.

While this article focuses on configurations we also have a very cool set of illustrations showcasing the different parts anatomy of roof trusses. 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. 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. A truss is any assembly of two force elements connected so as to act as a single structural unit.

Rafters are also useful for creating an open area for living space. Trusses and rafters both offer advantages in roof design. Rafters are a better choice for specialty projects. Stick framing is flexible and may be altered without compromising the structure.

A rafter with a rafter tie at the bottom is a truss. Best uses for trusses vs. The picture above is actually going to be a master bedroom closet over a garage. Scissor trusses will provide enough steepness for any vaulted ceilings in the plan consult your architect to determine that.

Trusses can create vaulted ceilings but they are not quite as efficient at opening up a space as traditional rafters. 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. 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. 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.

It s also simpler to accommodate a home addition with rafter roofing. You don t prefer finished attic space. 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. Attic conversions are now possible by replacing the truss rafters with a shaped trusses or horizontal beams which in return create additional space.