What is a truss? How is it different from a beam? Whether you are building a distribution center or a factory warehouse, you want a roof that is strong, efficient, and cost-effective. When you need a design-build firm in Phoenix, Arizona, you need The Structures Group. You can rely on our skilled engineers and experienced crews to create the best roof for your build and your budget.

What is a roof truss?

More and more builders choose roof trusses over beams for their strength and efficiency. A roof truss is a prefabricated wooden or steel framework that supports the roof and ties the exterior walls together. Composed of interconnected triangular units, roof trusses add strength and stability to the entire structure. Because they are constructed off-site and custom engineered, roof trusses take very little time to install.

Advantages of Roof Trusses over Rafters

Strong

Roof trusses are incredibly strong, and they can distribute the weight of the roof over a larger area. Much like trussed bridges, roof trusses can span great distances. Trusses support the roof by transferring its weight entirely to the exterior structure. 

Inexpensive

Roof trusses use some of the most cost-effective materials available. Because their triangular components can be made from short lengths of lumber or steel, rather than long beams, they can be made from common, easily sourced materials. Compared to beams, the fabrication of roof trusses can require some additional labor. However, this is typically offset by manufacturing repetitive trusses of the same span and shape. Unless you have very short spans or no repetition, roof trusses are generally less expensive than beams.

Quick

Building a roof with trusses helps to streamline the build schedule. Roof trusses arrive at the construction site pre-built and ready to install. In most flat-roof industrial applications, they are joined to 2x wood sub-purlins and covered in plywood or OSB to form a section. Each section is then lifted into place using a forklift and attached to other sections already erected, forming a strong and rigid roof structure. Tens of thousands of square feet of roof can be erected each day, which means less labor time and lower labor costs.

Customizable

As part of the structural design, roof trusses are custom built for every individual project. Trusses can adapt to any roof shape—their intricate angles and factory precision offer the best options for custom builds. Roof trusses can be engineered for your specific rooftop loads, such as mechanical equipment or process piping.

Contact Us

Do you need a roof truss structure design for your next build? Are you looking for a design-build contractor that will see your project through from start to finish? The Structures Group specializes in structural engineering and structural repairs, including roof design and construction in Phoenix. Call 602-269-2458 or send us a message to learn more.