What is a Roof Truss, and Why is it so Important?

In the field of engineering, the term ‘truss’ refers to a triangular design.  A roof truss is a structure that is designed to support strength and support a roof. A roof truss comprises three parts; web bracing, top cords, and bottom cords. Despite being placed under tension and compression, a truss is designed not to bend. Essentially, it can stand the test of time while offering much needed structural support to buildings. You could probably have a hard time deciding on the strongest roof truss design. Many designs are strong enough to withstand heavyweight, but the most common are the raised heel, scissors, and parallel chord designs.

Historically, trusses are constructed using either timber or steel. In the recent past, engineers have put more effort into roof truss designs, indicating how important a roof truss is to a building, whether residential or commercial.

Importance of a roof truss

1. Protection

The roof is perhaps the most crucial part of any building. Buildings could be potentially useless without a roof since it offers protection from elements such as sun, rain and other harsh weather conditions. When a roof truss is installed, it provides the platform under which you can lay a roof, offering protection. When you install roof trusses, the sun’s and rain’s effect will be reduced compared to when there is no roof truss.

2. Support

A truss is critical as a roof’s frame. It bridges the space above rooms and ‘is held by posts to provide support. By doing this, you are assured of stable and reliable support. Since time immemorial, roof trusses have supported the roofs of auditoriums, airports, theatres, stadiums, bus stations, and train stations.

3. Comfort

If you need a comfortable environment in your home, with just the rest temperatures to give you the ambiance you desire, then the roof truss will sort you out. A strong roof truss will support a strong roof, which in turn shields you from intense heat and harmful UV rays, enabling you to experience comfortable indoor temperature.

4. Flexibility

When it comes to buildings’ layout, you can rely on the roof truss to offer flexibility. Whether you want to create an open plan popular with residential buildings or a closed design, your roof trusses will bring your idea to reality. There is a lot of room for structural engineers to combine their skills with creativity.

5. Cost and time saving

The fact that a roof truss can be built somewhere else and then brought to the site for installation is enough to save you some money that you may have used for on-site manufacturing. Installing roof trusses can also save you time since it could even be a day’s work.

It is important to note that repairs and improvements of a roof truss design should only be undertaken by a licensed, structural engineer who will assess the plan and develop the repair plan to suit your needs. A licensed contractor should then carry out the repairs.