The Benefits of Roof Trusses
The purpose of timber roof trusses is to provide support for a roof and bridge the space above a room. Trusses are typically linked by longitudinal timbers known as purlins. The space between a truss and the room it supports is called a bay. These trusses are generally longer than the room they support and are typically more rigid than other types of roofs. Here are a few benefits of a truss roof:
Common types of roof trusses
There are many types of roof trusses available. Each has its own unique feature and way of dealing with the forces that occur in the node area. Listed below are some of the more common types. For further information, contact a professional truss contractor. They will be able to help you select the best style for your building. Here is a breakdown of the different types and why you should choose them.
The overall height of a roof truss measures its vertical extent from the bearing. The length of a panel is the distance between its points. The web members are attached by metal connector plates that divide the top and bottom chords. Span is the horizontal distance between the two exterior bearings. Various roof trusses come in different shapes and sizes. Depending on the application, you can choose from wood, metal, or a combination of these materials.
Splice of a truss
The Splice of a roof tru, also known as a cleat, is a connection between two or more timber members. These members are attached at one end with a light gauge steel plate with teeth protruding from one face. The webs run between the top and bottom chords and transfer the stresses of the chords throughout the structure. The webs also allow the truss to span the entire width of a building.
The Splice of a roof truds is formed when two trusses are joined at one end by a nail plate. Nail plates are steel sheets that are pressed into the timber with one plate on each side. They form a solid fixing when the roof truss is in its upright position. Once the truss is in place, nail plates hold the chords and webs together.
Triangulation of a truss
A truss’s top chord panel is called the triangulation. A triangulation of a truss is made of three equal bays, each of a uniform size. The truss’s length is measured from the center of each bay to the apex. The area of each bay is equal to one-half of its total length, and it can be calculated by using the formula: A = F x g / sy. This calculation is applicable to both tension and compression members.
The structural members of a truss are arranged to form triangles within a single plane. External forces are applied at the joints, which theoretically cause axial compression or tension. Frictionless pins and hinges allow the members to rotate, making the triangle shape of the truss the most stable part of the structure. This triangle shape also has the potential for changing shape due to changes in roof load. When one or more sides of the truss are bent, the structure is prone to lateral movement.
Benefits of a truss roof
Many of today’s trusses do not use nails, and are made of high-grade steel that preserves its durability and performance. These trusses are manufactured in strict accordance with their engineering design. By eliminating the need for rafters, trusses are 30% more affordable than a traditional steel-framed roof. And, the construction process does not involve overlapping components. Rather, trusses are manufactured in a factory and are built to exact specifications.
Another advantage to a truss roof is its ease of installation. You will not need to purchase expensive equipment or perform extensive preparation. You will also save on materials since trusses are prefabricated in factory conditions. Once delivered to the job site, they are simply levered to the top of the wall and slid into place. The truss system can span far more distances than a conventionally-framed roof, giving your interior space an open and flexible design.