What is the Strongest Roof Truss Design?

roof trusses

The truss of the roof serves as its foundation, providing it both support and strength. Through the years, roofing technology has changed and today prefabricated trusses are used to provide a more robust framework. The truss is essential to the integrity of the roof and is a requirement of building code in most areas.

To provide a proper foundation for your roof, you want to use the right truss design. Which leads to the question, what is the strongest roof truss design?

Different types of truss designs

It is hard to determine which truss style is the strongest as all designs provide a strong foundation for the roof. After all, they have been engineered through years of trial and test. The most common of these designs are:

Parallel chords

This design uses steel members for bracing resulting in a higher cost. However, the design is durable and reliable, a reason why high ceiling buildings employ the design such as cathedrals. The use of steel members results in thermal bridging, making this design less energy efficient. The design places members parallel to one another, making it one of the most aesthetically pleasing designs for the truss.

Raised Heel

If you want a truss design that is high on energy efficiency, then raised heel is a good option. The truss design helps with condensation problems in humid regions with the members placed in a way that it creates a vapor barrier. The members of the truss are insulated, which does drive up costs but protects them from the environment. You can find the design used in homes and buildings where attic space is needed.

Scissor

This design is common in buildings with a vaulted ceiling. There is no need of bare beams with the design as the members of the truss provide plenty of support. The reason it is known as scissor roof truss is that the design has members sloped inwards appearing like scissors. Insulation of each member is generally a problem with this design.

Cost of a roof truss

The cost of a roof truss varies depending on factors such as the material used and the size of the building. On average, homeowners can expect to spend between $10,000 to $16,000 on it. This includes materials, cost of labor, and machinery. It is difficult to save up on costs because materials account for most of the cost. The last thing you want to do is compromise on the material and risk the chances of the roof collapsing.

Rather than ask, what is the strongest roof truss design, you need to consider the materials used in the design. Authentic Restoration can help you decide on materials and truss design for your home or commercial building. We have a team of experienced technicians and home builders that have decades’ worth of experience roofing Birmingham AL. Give us a call at 833-318-7663 for all your roof truss needs.