No miscalculations, low last-minute measurements, or design errors. Whether you’re constructing cathedral ceilings or cross gambles, trusses can be made to fit your requirements exactly. The automated manufacturing process ensures that trusses are turned out in no time, which is excellent for construction productivity.Įach truss is made specifically to meet the needs of one project. This is a huge difference – and one that has driven many contractors and homeowners to choose trusses.īecause trusses are manufactured in a factory that maintains a controlled environment, they are double-checked and guaranteed high quality. Trusses Are Made in a Controlled EnvironmentĪs we said before, trusses are manufactured before they arrive at the site – while rafters are assembled onsite. Let’s break the reasons down into ten different sections. Still, these differences don’t tell you why roof trusses are the more popular of the two. On the other hand, Trusses are less likely to be installed as aesthetic features in a home. Rafters can either be hidden or showcased as architectural features. Although less material is used, the timber (or steel) is more robust. The most noticeable difference between roof trusses and rafters is that the former is built mostly with 2x4s, not wide dimensional boards. So, you know what each type of roof support is – but how are they different from each other? What’s the Difference Between the Two? Together, the trusses form a wooden structure that supports the roof while connecting the house walls. These trusses are created before they arrive at the construction site. Roof trusses offer a more modern and optimized method of support. Dimension lumber is used to support the roof, and the rafters work with collar ties to hold the roof planes together. It’s the traditional way of supporting a roof – often referred to as “stick framing.” Decades ago, every house on the block would have been made with rafters.Įach rafter is designed, cut, built, and installed on the construction site by a knowledgeable carpenter. Rafters used in roof construction run from the roof’s hip/ridge to the wall plate of the external wall.

We know that roof trusses are becoming increasingly popular over rafters, but why? Let’s talk about it.įirst things first: we need to talk about the essential qualities of rafters vs. Additionally, up to 80 percent of all roofs in new houses now use trusses instead of rafters, so we’re certainly not alone in our stance. However, don’t take our position as biased – we’ve got solid reasons and numbers to back up our belief. Why do trusses seem to be more prevalent in newer buildings?Īt Hitek Truss Design, we’re (unsurprisingly) big proponents of timber roof trusses.Are trusses the way to go, or do rafter seem to offer more advantages?.

What’s the best way to hold up your roof?.

That’s why we want to talk about rafters vs. The difference between a truss and a rafter isn’t something most of us think about regularly – but it’s a topic of importance when it comes to building a home.

Roof rafter