In a nutshell trusses are right for most projects.
Rafter vs truss attic.
Trusses can create vaulted ceilings but they are not quite as efficient at opening up a space as traditional rafters.
Trusses are composed of multiple beams for added support.
Rafters on the other hand contain two main beams to support the roof.
While this article focuses on configurations we also have a very cool set of illustrations showcasing the different parts anatomy of roof trusses.
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.
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.
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.
Best uses for trusses vs.
While rafters are less and less frequently used today due to the higher cost of rafters vs trusses they do have certain advantages.
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.
As a result you can create open space under the roof.
A rafter with a rafter tie at the bottom is a truss.
You don t prefer finished attic space.
You can see how the rafters open up the space to provide maximum storage.
Rafters cost more than trusses as their installation process is labor intensive.
It s also simpler to accommodate a home addition with rafter roofing.
Your home site is easily accessed.
A truss is any assembly of two force elements connected so as to act as a single structural unit.
Trusses and rafters both offer advantages in roof design.
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.
Attic conversions are now possible by replacing the truss rafters with a shaped trusses or horizontal beams which in return create additional space.
Rafters are a better choice for specialty projects.
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.
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 are prefabricated roof structures whereas rafters are assembled on site.
Stick framing is flexible and may be altered without compromising the structure.
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.
