Roof trusses have been used in the majority of new homes during recent years.
Stick built attic vs truss.
A visit to the attic of almost any older home will reveal the fact that rafters were the overwhelmingly popular method in the past.
This is very commonly misunderstood thing.
Once trusses are built they are very hard to modify if something needs to be changed.
Trusses i am still bothered by 2x4s and plates in a truss verses 2x6s 2x8s 2x10s and on occasion 2x12s in a stick framed roof.
Stick built belstar posted in general discussion on june 28 2006 07 32am i am a owner builder in the initial design phase of a project and am considering the merits cons of truss roof construction vs.
Trusses can free span quite a distance and still have an attic room built in.
Factoring angles on stick built rafters is complex.
For professional framing crews stick framing a roof is just as simple as setting roof trusses although it takes a little longer which translates into higher labor charges.
If the unfortunate happens and you experience a fire a truss roof will fail much more quickly than one that is stick built.
Though the stick process is an older process it is still very popular.
Today however about four out of five new houses built in the u s.
Are trusses better then stick framing.
Unless the plans call for a flat roof structure you basically have to choose between rafters or trusses.
Rafters are made from sloped framing boards of dimensional lumber usually 2x8s or 2x10s connecting the roof peak called the ridge board to the plates of the exterior walls.
What s more they can allow room for stairs and design the trusses to handle that as well.
In a nutshell trusses are right for most projects.
Except for the fact that you are completing the joists at the same time as you are erecting the roof i e.
The traditional means of supporting a roof is rafters otherwise known as stick framing cut built and installed on site by an expert carpenter.
Over a garage is a typical example.
Stick building the roof.
Stick framing a roof takes a lot of time.
Best uses for trusses vs.
Can trusses be used for attic area or bonus rooms.
There are two ways to put up a roof using the stick method or using the roof truss method.
This is based somewhat on the size of the lumber that is used but primarily the problem is with the gusset plates holding the trusses together.