Most Common Types of Residential Roof Trusses
The Most Common Types Of Residential
Trusses Seen In St. Joseph, MO
Having The Right Trusses For Your Roof
Sets Up Your Project For Success
Whether you’re building a house or adding a home addition, the roof is an important element of the design. However, have you spent much time thinking about residential trusses in St. Joseph, MO?
Probably not, and if you haven’t – don’t feel bad. Trusses are often an overlooked part of any building despite how valuable they are to the roof.
After all, the trusses are an integral part of holding up your roof to keep your home stable. So, while you may not have given them much thought, now is the time to do so!
There are several types of residential trusses, all designed to work with various roofs throughout the Midwest. However, there are some more common residential trusses seen in the Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska. Let’s take a look at these!
The Basic But Popular King Post Truss
The king-style residential truss is highly popular, yet it is one of the more basic types seen on the market – which could be why it is so popular!
This truss is defined as having a bottom chord, two top chords, a vertical post in the middle referred to as “king,” and then two webbings on each side of the king post. It is relatively easy to make and uses fewer materials than other trusses out there.
However, is it right for you? King post truss systems are seen in a lot of home additions and garages. The simple design works great in these situations where you are building onto your home. We also see it used a lot in rural agricultural settings for sheds, barns and other outbuildings.
The Queen Post Truss: The Real Ruler Among Trusses
The queen post truss is highly popular, and while the name may make you think it is second to the king post – think again.
This truss is designed very similarly to the king post, yet instead of one post in the middle (the king), there are two queen posts connected to a straining beam in the truss. Visualize a square inside of the triangle of a truss, and you have a queen post.
The queen post truss system is used in large residential homes and is often seen in agriculture barns and buildings. Hence, the popularity throughout the St. Joseph, MO area!
The Fink Truss: The Standard Residential Truss
A gable roof is the most common type of roof seen throughout the United States. And with this style of roof comes the fink truss – hence, they have become a standard type of truss to use in residential homes.
With the fink truss, you have the standard bottom and two top chords that form a triangle. However, it adds a “W” in the middle to provide strength for the roof system.
What makes the fink truss one that many residential homes use is the fact that it provides a great span of strength between trusses while still using minimal materials, so it’s a cost-effective solution for most residential homes.
Scissor Trusses Are A Must For Vaulted Ceilings
If your roof will contain sections that will have vaulted ceilings, then a scissor trust is a must-have truss for that section of the roof. The shape of scissor trusses will depend on the pitch of your cathedral ceiling.
However, if you want to visualize this truss, think of the shape of the blades on scissors, and you have a pretty accurate description of what these may look like.
While these types of trusses cost more, since they are more customized to the cathedral pitch of your home, they only have to be used in the areas in which you will have a vaulted ceiling.
Attic Trusses Allow For Storage Space
If you plan on having an attic for storage space, then you will need attic trusses. Attic trusses are basically queen trusses – but the two vertical posts (the queen posts) are spaced further apart to allow for storage.
These are highly popular over garages where people would like to either have some added living space or storage space. And yes, they can be combined with other trusses if you plan for storage only in certain areas of your home.
While these are all common residential trusses that are used throughout the area, that doesn’t mean they will fit your project. That is where North Country Truss & Lumber can help you, as we provide trusses built to accommodate your individual project.
If you are building a home or adding onto your existing home in St. Joseph, MO, let us handle your residential trusses. Call us today at (816) 449-5778 or visit our website for a free estimate!