If you are in the process of building a new home or adding an addition to an existing one, one of the important decisions you need to make is how you will support the roof — with rafters or trusses? Here, an asphalt shingle roofer discusses the differences between the two construction methods.
What Are Rafters?
Rafters are elongated planks, normally around 2 x 10s or 2 x12s, that slope down from the central ridge beam at the peak of the roof and meet at an intersection with the outer walls. These planks are responsible for supporting the roofing and roof sheathing. The construction method that utilizes rafters is called stick framing.
What Are Trusses?
Typical residential roofing is composed of multiple trusses spaced out from one end of the house to the other. Trusses form a triangle-based webbing to distribute the load of the roof along a broader area. Unlike stick-built rafters that are completed on-site, most trusses are prefabricated and delivered to the site for installation.
How Do Rafters and Trusses Compare?
If you are planning to transform your attic into an extra room, rafters are the better choice. This construction method provides a larger space that can be used as storage and attic insulation that serves as a sufficient barrier. However, the construction process takes a lot of time and requires more professionals to complete, driving up the labor costs.
On the other hand, trusses take the lead when it comes to consistent quality control. These products are also not subject to weather exposure and on-site storage is not required. Moreover, the construction is faster, only taking around one or two days to truss an entire roof. According to the National Association of Home Builders, building a house using trusses results in reduced labor and material costs, although the upfront costs are higher.
Reduced attic space, little flexibility for design alterations, and delivery requirements are some drawbacks of this construction method. In some instances, a crane will be required on-site to lift trusses into place.
Contact a Roofing Professional Today!
For top-rated roof repair and roof replacement solutions, you can count on ImproveIT! of Atlanta. Our certified team aims to deliver high-quality workmanship and outstanding customer service to ensure the comfort and satisfaction of our customers. Call us at (770) 525-8836 or fill out our contact form to request a free estimate. Our service areas include Alpharetta, Dunwoody, and Roswell, GA.
