A roof truss is a structure that is designed to support the roof of a building. The two main types of trusses are flat and pitched, however, these can be broken down into more specific styles which are best suited for different projects. Roof trusses are usually triangular and made off-site. Triangles are the most efficient shape for holding weight; they are stable and strong.
Oak trusses are a blend of architecture and engineering in their finest forms. They both support your roof and create a stunning design feature. We’re going to explain them in more detail so that you fully understand the choice for your home.
What is the history of roof trusses?
The word truss comes from the old French word ‘trousse’ which roughly means a collection of things bound together. Their shape puts a bridge between space at the top of a room, providing more support for the roof.
Trusses quickly became more popular than coupled rafters, as these were too weak and prone to collapse.
Why are roof trusses triangle?
A triangle is a shape which can handle the most weight – so it makes sense that roof trusses are made up of triangles.
The simplest form of roof truss is just a single triangle shape – but these are more often seen within a framed roof that includes rafters and a joist as opposed to being a feature piece.
The bottom side, known as the bottom chord or ‘tie beam’ is the base. This houses the principal rafters and braces. The principal rafters (sloped sides) connect to the tie beam – all connecting to allow the truss to handle very heavy loads.
Whare are the different types of trusses?
Despite the general design of a truss being quite simple, there are many different configurations of this. The three most popular, and which you might find a popular choice for oak feature trusses are king post trusses, queen-post trusses, and collared trusses.
A king truss has the standard triangle shape, but also a central vertical king post running upright through the centre. A Queen post has two vertical queen posts and is a good choice for wide-spanning roofs.
A collared truss has its tie-beam placed higher up on the principal rafters – allowing much more headroom, and it is usually the principal rafters which sit on the wall as opposed to the tie-beam.
If you are interested in getting an Oak feature truss for your home, then it is best to speak to a specialist who will suggest the best solution for you.
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