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Truss structures are commonly used in construction for roofs and floors, with various designs based on aesthetic and structural needs. Trusses are made up of triangles connected to support beams, providing structural integrity. The two most common truss designs are canted and parallel chord. Roof trusses focus on aesthetics and climate, with four common designs. Raised and lowered chord trusses offer energy efficiency but are more expensive. Scissor and parallel chord trusses are popular for cathedral ceilings, with the latter making attic insulation easier but being more costly.
In construction, truss structures are commonly used for roofs and floors. There are several forms of trellis construction, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The design choices of the trellis are based on aesthetic and structural needs, even if in the presence of an existing structure to be remodeled the choices can be limited. Architectural consulting can help homeowners make sound decisions about truss engineering choices.
Trusses are made up of one or more triangles connected to support beams. This truss structure provides structural integrity, as the strength of the sides of the triangles does not fluctuate under pressure. Conversely, four-sided shapes, such as squares or rectangles, require additional bracing to ensure stability.
The variations on truss styles are nearly endless; if the mind can imagine a lattice building design, there is probably an architect who can create it. The two most common truss designs, however, are the canted or common style and the parallel chord or flat truss. The pitched roof truss is a triangular shape used primarily for roofs. The parallel chord truss has two external parallel braces, or chords, supported by squares supported by four connected triangles within each square. These trusses are used for floors.
Many of the more elaborate types of trellis construction are based on these two styles. Each type of truss design is intended to meet precise structural and aesthetic goals. Both of these considerations go into choosing the best type of truss to use for the shape, size, and design needs of each project.
Floor trusses are built with strength and practicality as the primary considerations, while roof trusses often focus on aesthetics. In roof trusses, climate is also an important consideration, as each type of truss provides different levels of insulation and vapor blockage. The four most common designs of roof trusses are raised butt, lowered chord, scissor and parallel chord. Personal preferences, budget, and the overall design of the facility determine which style is preferred.
A raised trellis at the heel offers the best energy efficiency as its design allows for ample room for maximum insulation. Creates a vapor barrier, which prevents potentially harmful moisture condensation, dry rot and mold. Expensive manufacturing costs along with the need for insulation and installation materials make this option more expensive.
Just like a raised-rope trellis, a lower-rope trellis is airtight and allows room for deep insulation. This design uses taller studs and requires siding where the ceilings and walls are joined together. It’s often the preferred option if an interior ceiling is unstable, though the extra insulation and cladding add to the cost.
Cathedral ceilings often require a scissor truss, which has a design reminiscent of a hang glider. The shape eliminates the need for a supporting beam and supporting wall. This truss makes attic insulation a more difficult task and increases labor costs.
A parallel chord truss is also a popular choice for structures with cathedral ceilings and makes attic insulation easier than other styles of truss. It requires specially designed steel and wooden supports, which increase its cost. The thermal effects of steel bracing can also negatively affect energy efficiency.
