Roof Truss Versus Rafter

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.

Roof truss versus rafter.

This 26 span truss with a 4 12 roof pitch is the most economical truss we can build. Rafter boards are fastened to the ridge board at the peak and the top plate where they join the wall. A typical 2 000 square foot home framing costs between 7 000 and 12 000 for a truss roof. Rafters vs trusses for shed.

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. Stick framing is slightly more because of increased labor. The same is true if we make it steeper. A typical home roof construction is composed of multiple trusses spaced out evenly over a span extending from one end of the house to the opposite end.

While this article focuses on configurations we also have a very cool set of illustrations showcasing the different parts anatomy of roof trusses. How much does roof framing cost. Steeper roof pitches require longer webs which add to the cost. 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.

If we go any larger it will require more webbing inside the truss which will directly affect the cost of the truss. 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. Examples of live loads are snow wind rain and temporary construction loads.

Cost comparison of roof rafters vs trusses. Live loads are not always present. In finished space insulation is placed between the rafter boards and drywall or other material is fastened to the face. Expect to pay between 6 and 9 a square foot for rafter framing.

Roof truss basics roof trusses are engineered wood alternatives to hand framed rafters. What is a rafter. 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. They support live and dead loads by efficiently transferring the loads to the building walls or supports.

Why has this change occurred and what are the advantages and disadvantages of rafters vs trusses.