Roof Truss Versus Rafter

While rafters are less and less frequently used today due to the higher cost of rafters vs trusses they do have certain advantages.

Roof truss versus rafter.

Unless you are going for an exposed rafter look the end result will be the same whether you go with roof trusses or rafters. When the cost of a prefabricated truss package is compared to the material and labor costs to build rafters on site the cost of trusses is 30 to 50 less. Trusses are composed of multiple beams for added support. Truss pros build quality strength cost and time savings are the biggest pros that trusses have to offer.

Each system has its benefits and drawbacks when it comes to these factors. On the other hand rafters are assembled at the construction site. Roof rafters vs trusses written by doityourself staff. Stick framing is flexible and may be altered without compromising the structure.

Trusses are prefabricated roof structures whereas rafters are assembled on site. On feb 25 2010. Deciding on whether to install roof rafters or trusses hinges on two important factors. When it comes to quality there really is no difference between rafters and roof trusses.

As a result you can create open space under the roof. As trusses are assembled in a factory a lot of time can be saved. For good looks as in the case of vaulted or cathedral ceilings as well as practical purposes like building an extra bedroom home office or storage. Unlike rafters which must be made on site roof trusses are prefabricated in a warehouse and then shipped to a job site for installation.

A typical home roof construction is composed of multiple trusses spaced out evenly over a span extending from one end of the house to the opposite end. So your decision to use one over another really comes down to cost. As trusses are prefabricated they may be costlier than rafters however the installation and labor cost involved in roof rafters is comparatively higher than trusses. While trusses and rafters can handle similar loads there are clear distinctions in essential areas that will help you choose which is right for your building project.

Rafters cost more than trusses as their installation process is labor intensive. Trusses are assembled in a factory using pre engineered structures and joints. Rafters could take an entire week to be installed whereas trusses could be installed in a day which means trusses could save a lot of time. It s also simpler to accommodate a home addition with rafter roofing.