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Trusses are prefabricated roof or floor support structures made of box or triangular members that distribute load to walls or foundation. They eliminate the need for load-bearing walls, allowing for open floor plans. Hip roofs use beam structural members to support the weight of the roof on each side. Engineered lumber allows for wider spans without load-bearing walls. Beam trusses can be integrated into other roof designs, such as incorporating vents or windows. Girder trusses can be used for flat roofs in commercial or warehouse operations.
A truss is a roof or floor support structure consisting of a connected series of box or triangular members to distribute the load to the walls or foundation of a building. These are often prefabricated and sent to a construction site. A roof truss is designed to support other secondary roof supports. Buildings constructed in an L or T shape use truss systems where the roof changes direction. Using these structures in the roof design eliminates the need for an underlying load-bearing wall, resulting in an open floor plan.
Hip roof designs, where the roof on each side of the building slopes upward, incorporate beam structural members where the hip roof elements connect to the main roof. The truss at each end of the main roof must support the weight of the hip roof element on each side. Hip roofs can provide structural strength advantages over gable roofs in hurricane zones.
Wood is a common building material for rafter systems. The truss can be made by joining several single support elements. High-strength bolts are required to connect the elements, as the rafter system will carry a much higher load than a single roof truss. A structural engineer or architect can calculate design loads, beam dimensions and fastening requirements to safely support the load.
When the roof of a building changes direction, the second roofline intersects with the first. Cutting the roof supports or simply nailing the new roofline into the original roof supports can quickly overload the roof structure. A beam truss is installed where the second roof line begins to intersect with the first roof. The two roofs are then joined with connecting elements which can be safely hung from the rafter.
Improvements in building materials have led to better building designs. Beginning in the 1980s, engineered lumber using combinations of wood adhesives and polymers resulted in structural wood products that were much stronger than standard wood. These engineered systems allow for wider spans without the use of load-bearing walls. The ceilings can be raised without adversely affecting the strength of the roof, as the engineered structures can carry higher loads.
Beam trusses can be integrated into other useful roof designs. Gables can be incorporated into hipped roofs by lowering the side roof beams to create small gables. Not only do these elements add character, but they can incorporate vents to reduce attic heat loads without sacrificing strength. For busy spaces such as second-story rooms, end gables can incorporate windows without having to add reinforcing walls.
Designs for girder trusses do not have to look like standard pitched roofs. Flat roofs for industrial or warehouse operations can use level beam supports. As the building changes direction, adding an engineered support system at the intersection can result in an open room design conducive to commercial or warehouse operations.
