What’s The Difference Between Joists, I Beams, And Trusses?
Difference Between Agricultural Truss, Joists, & I-Beams
In St. Joseph, MO
Get To Know The Nitty-Gritty
Behind What Makes Your
Building Stand
If you’re like most property owners in the Midwest or Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska, you don’t know a whole lot about what makes your building stand. Sure, there are walls and agricultural trusses in your St. Joseph, MO building and everything in between.
But when you must choose what you want in your building’s structure, all the options can feel like a foreign language. When your contractor starts speaking about your building’s joists, trusses, and I-beams, be prepared by understanding the differences and what each component means to your building’s structure.
At North Country Lumber & Truss, we know not every property owner is an expert on building structure. That’s why we’ve put together this helpful guide to help you make the best choice for your upcoming agricultural, commercial, or residential building.
What Are The Main Differences Between
Trusses, Joists, Beams, And I-Beams?
Trusses, joists, beams, and I-beams are all different parts that work together to make your building structurally sound. While they each have differing roles to play in distributing the load, they’re all essential to ensuring your pole barn or commercial/residential building is ready to stand the test of time.
Let’s break down the differences between each.
Trusses
Trusses are diagonal beams that bear the load and hold your horizontal joists in place. For example, if your building has an A-frame roof, the middle horizontal beam of the “A” would be the joists, and the two diagonal beams meeting at the top would be the trusses.
The size, length, and number of your trusses depend on your building’s design and size. Trusses can be used in various applications, not just for buildings with a pitched roof. Even buildings with flat roofs have trusses in their ceilings, as trusses are essential for proper ventilation and ensuring the weight of the building is held up properly.
Trusses use a triangular orientation to hold the roof’s weight evenly and without undue pressure on any area of your roof. They can be used in various applications in any building shape and are usually made of timber, or steel.
Joists
Joists are the horizontal beams supported by the trusses. Joists are laid horizontally, parallel to one another, with even spacing. This helps distribute the load more evenly throughout the entire roof surface and avoid disproportionate pressure on any one area of the roof. Joists, like beams and trusses, are essential to construction.
Beams
Roof beams are load-bearing points that span from your building’s floor to its ceiling. They are vertical and support the joists and trusses while providing structure for the building’s walls.
I-Beams
Also called “girders” or “I-joists,” I-beams are named for the shape of the capital letter “I” they form when viewed lengthwise. These strong beams are essential in the construction of large buildings and are typically made of steel, though some are made of timber.
I-beams are similar to trusses in that they more evenly distribute the weight of the load, but instead of using triangular beams, they consist of a solid central beam supported by two parallel beams. Think of the capital letter “I,” which has a long center supported by sturdy horizontal beams at the top and bottom.
These beams are usually chosen because they are lightweight and easy to manufacture in a range of sizes, depending on the needs of the building.
Do I Need Trusses, Joists, Beams, And I-Beams
In My St. Joseph, MO Building?
Whether you’re building a pole barn or any kind of building structure, trusses, beams, and joists will all be part of your structure. I-beams are often used in steel buildings, though every project differs.
If your building would benefit from including I-beams, we at North Country Lumber & Truss will help you find the best way to implement them.
We’ve served the good people of the Midwest and Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska with honesty, integrity, and amazing results. If you’re searching for the perfect contractor for your pole barn, commercial, or residential building, call North Country Lumber & Truss today at (816) 449-5778 for your free quote.