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Fine Homebuilding Project Guides

Framing

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Chapter
  • Introduction to Framing
  • Framing Tools, Techniques, and Materials
  • Framing Floors
  • Framing Walls
  • Framing Stairs
  • Framing Roofs
  • Efficient Framing Methods
  • Timber Framing
How-To

Types of Roof Trusses

Architect Rob Thallon outlines the six most common roof truss types.

By Rob Thallon

Roof trusses, like floor trusses, are a framework of small members (usually 2x4s) that are connected so that they act like a single large member. They are always engineered by the manufacturer.

Engineered roof trusses can span much greater distances than the stick-framed rafter-and-tie system. Long spans (over 40 ft.) are possible with simple trusses so that large open rooms may be designed with roof loads bearing only on the perimeter walls. Interior walls may simply be partition walls and may be repositioned without compromising the roof structure.

A second advantage of roof trusses is the reduction in roof framing labor. Trusses are typically set in place by the delivery truck and may be positioned and fastened in a fraction of the time it would take to frame with rafters and ties. Trusses are also more precise than stick framing, and, with the advent of computerized manufacturing, they can be made to conform to virtually any complex combination of roof forms.

Trusses are not without their disadvantages, however. The webs of the truss occupy space that could be available for storage or as a full-size attic. Furthermore, these webs cannot be cut for any future remodeling purposes.

Six common roof truss types are shown in the drawings below.

Six common roof truss types

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Previous: Introduction to Roof Trusses Next: Truss Options

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Framing

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Framing Roofs

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Introduction to Framing
  • House Framing Concepts, Tips, and More
Framing Tools, Techniques, and Materials
  • Tools
  • Techniques
  • Framing Lumber
  • Steel
Framing Floors
  • Floor Framing
  • Engineered Floors
  • Floor Sheathing
Framing Walls
  • Wall Framing Basics
  • Layout
  • Wall Assembly
  • Raising and Straightening Walls
  • Framing Rough Openings
  • Blocking
Framing Stairs
  • Stair Layout
  • Building Stairs
Framing Roofs
  • Roof-Framing Basics
  • Roof Design
  • Laying Out and Cutting Rafters
  • Framing Valleys
  • Working with Trusses
  • Dormers
  • Special Situations
Efficient Framing Methods
  • Advanced Framing
  • Double-Stud Walls
Timber Framing
  • Timber-Frame Construction
  • Timber-Frame Design

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