Roof Trusses—Things You Should Know
There are a number of things about roof trusses you should know if you are preparing to have a new home or some other type of structure built. The roof of a structure is supported by a crucial framework called a roof truss. A roof truss is essentially a frame that is made of wood, or in some cases metal sections, that are held together by steel connection plates. The main function of a roof truss is to make sure that the overall weight of the roof is distributed equally, as well as all individual sections of the roof, thereby increasing its lifespan.
There are many different types of roof truss designs that can be used when designing and building a structure, each of which is unique in its own ways. The truss design that is chosen for a construction project will depend on the type of roof that is being used for the structure. A Kingspost truss is a-shaped and very broad with a support bar strategically placed in the middle to connect the top and bottom sections. Sometimes a Queenspost is used if there is additional weight that needs to be supported.
While there is much debate as to whether metal or wood trusses are the better option for providing a roof with the necessary support, there are still many people who choose to use wood trusses when building new homes. One of the primary reasons for the popularity of wood trusses is that there are individual pieces that make up the truss and they can be modified on the building site to get just the right fit for the walls of the structure. These modifications are relatively easy to make on the building site, which is one of the reasons why so many contractors prefer to use wood trusses.
When it comes to matters of safety, metal trusses are not noticeably better than wood trusses. The overall quality and durability of wood trusses depends on the specific type of wood that is used as well as the manufacturing process. A well-built wood truss will never collapse as a whole at one time, but instead gives way in small increments, allowing whoever may be in the structure to get out safely. There are many different manufacturers of wood trusses in Kansas, but it is important that you choose the very best professionals to meet your specific needs.