Roof Framing Plan with Truss Details: Types, Designs, and Benefits

A roof framing plan with truss details is a crucial aspect of building a sturdy and safe roof. This plan outlines the layout and configuration of the roof's structural elements, including the trusses, rafters, and beams.

There are several types of trusses, including the common truss, queen post truss, and king post truss. Each type has its own unique design and benefits.

The common truss is the most widely used type, featuring a simple and efficient design that provides excellent support for the roof. It's often used in residential construction due to its ease of installation and cost-effectiveness.

The queen post truss, on the other hand, is a more complex design that offers greater strength and stability. It's commonly used in commercial and industrial buildings where heavy loads are a concern.

There are several types of roof trusses, each with its own unique characteristics and uses. The pitched or common truss is the most often used for roof construction, while the parallel chord or flat truss is often used for floor construction.

The King post truss is the simplest roofing truss, commonly used for home additions, garage construction, and short-span projects. It's characterized by a triangular shape and has a span of 16 to 26 feet. The Queen post truss is used for large residential and agricultural construction, with a span of 26 to 39 feet.

Here are some common types of roof trusses, including their typical uses and spans:

The gambrel truss is a unique and versatile design that's perfect for projects that require a bit of extra flair. It's often associated with barns, but it's also a great choice for residential buildings, sheds, and garages.

A gambrel truss features a lot of webbing to support its distinctive shape, which includes a modified gable where the sides opposite the ridge change slope partway down. This design provides additional space for an attic or upper story.

The gambrel truss is a popular choice for projects with a smaller span, typically ranging from 24 to 30 feet. It's a great option for homeowners who want to add a unique touch to their roof without breaking the bank.

Here's a quick rundown of the key features of a gambrel truss:

Overall, the gambrel truss is a great choice for projects that require a bit of extra space and a unique roof design.

Fink trusses are the most common type of truss used in residential projects. They're a popular choice for many builders because of their load-carrying capacity and affordability.

The webbing in fink trusses has a distinctive 'W' shape, which provides excellent structural support. This unique shape allows for some storage space in the attic area.

Fink trusses are also relatively cost-effective because they use a minimum amount of materials to achieve maximum strength and stability. They can even span long distances without compromising their structural integrity.

Here are the key characteristics of fink trusses:

The LSSR light slopeable/skewable rafter hanger is a game-changer for supporting sloped and/or skewed members, allowing for field adjustment up to 45° and accommodating three typical rafter assembly types.

This hanger can be installed after the rafter has been tacked into place, making it a versatile and efficient option for builders. It's available in various sizes to accommodate single 2x lumber.

The LSSJ is a lighter-duty field-adjustable jack hanger ideal for connecting miter-cut jack rafters to hip or valley members. It features a 45° skew and can be field-adjusted for lesser skews.

The LRUZ rafter hanger is an economical sloped hanger for common rafter-to-ridge connections, sized for solid sawn 2x rafters. It can be installed either before or after the rafter is in place, improving job efficiency.

Scissor trusses make it possible to create vaulted or cathedral ceilings in a room. The bottom chords of scissor ceiling trusses are sloped, creating the dramatic ceiling.

Scissor trusses combine the speed and convenience of using pre-engineered wood trusses with the aesthetic benefit of high ceilings. This is a great option for those who want to add some visual interest to a room.

The top chord pitch, span, and heel height determine the bottom chord pitch in scissor trusses. But typically, the pitch for the bottom chord is half that of the top chord.

Scissor trusses can be installed in one part of a home, and other types of trusses can be used in other areas where vaulted ceilings aren't desired. This allows for a uniform roofline from the outside.

Scissor trusses come at a higher cost than other types of trusses, sometimes up to 30% more.

Hip roofs are a popular choice for areas prone to high-force winds and heavy snow loads.

Their unique design, with four planes meeting at the top, creates a pyramid shape that's stronger and more aerodynamic than other roof styles.

This style is particularly well-suited for residential and commercial buildings in windy regions.

Steep slopes on hip roofs also provide more attic space than other designs, making them a great option for homeowners who want to add dormers.

The added headroom can be a real game-changer for homeowners looking to make the most of their attic space.

The LSSR light slopeable/skewable rafter hanger is a game-changer for supporting sloped and/or skewed members. It can be installed after the rafter has been tacked into place.

This versatile hanger is field-adjustable for skews up to 45° and features an innovative hinged swivel seat which adjusts from zero to 45° up or down. The LSSR can accommodate three typical rafter assembly types: common, miter-cut jack, and plumb-cut jack.

The LSSR is now available in new sizes to accommodate single 2x lumber, making it an even more attractive option for builders. These updated sizes were added in August 2021.

For connecting miter-cut jack rafters to hip or valley members, the LSSJ is the ideal hanger. It's a lighter-duty field-adjustable jack hanger that's designed with a versatile, hinged seat.

The LSSJ comes with a 45° skew, but can be field-adjusted for lesser skews. It's available in both right and left skews to cover all applications and is only available for 2x joists.

The LRUZ rafter hanger is an economical sloped hanger for common rafter-to-ridge connections. It's sized for solid sawn 2x rafters and can be installed either before or after the rafter is in place.

The LRUZ's field-adjustable seat helps improve job efficiency by eliminating mismatched angles in the field and lead times associated with special orders.

In a simple rafter connection, the rafter is nailed directly to the wall plate. This type of connection is often used in traditional construction.

The most common type of rafter connection is the end rafter connection, where the rafter is nailed to the top plate and the wall plate. This configuration is widely used due to its simplicity and effectiveness.

A saddle notch connection is a type of rafter connection where the rafter is notched to fit over a bearing block, providing a snug fit and added stability. This configuration is ideal for roofs with a steep pitch.

The end lap connection is a type of rafter connection where two rafters overlap each other, providing additional support and stability to the roof. This configuration is commonly used in roof construction.

A valley rafter connection is a type of rafter connection that occurs at the intersection of two slopes, where the rafters meet at a 90-degree angle. This configuration requires careful planning and execution to ensure a watertight seal.

In a hip rafter connection, the rafter is nailed to the hip rafter, forming a strong and stable joint. This configuration is essential in hip roof construction, where the rafters meet at the ridge.

The design and construction of a roof framing plan with truss details is a crucial step in building a sturdy and safe structure.

A typical roof truss consists of a triangular shape with a top chord and two sloping sides, known as the bottom chord and web members.

The web members are usually spaced 24 inches on center, which is the distance between the center of each web member.

In a standard gable roof truss, the top chord is typically a 2x4 or 2x6 pressure-treated lumber, while the bottom chord and web members are often 2x4 or 2x6 dimensional lumber.

The truss design should take into account the load-bearing capacity of the roof, which can be affected by factors such as snow load, wind load, and roof pitch.

King post trusses are the most basic type of truss, using the fewest truss members.

They consist of two top chords, one bottom chord, a central vertical post called the king post, and two webbing chords.

King post trusses come at a lower price point than many other trusses because they're made with few materials and a simple design.

This simplicity makes them easy to construct.

However, this design limitation means king post trusses cannot span long distances.

They're better suited for smaller-scale projects.

To create a structure, you can start with a new plan or open an existing one. For example, a simple 20' x 30' structure is used in this example.

To build the structure and roof, you'll need to select the left and right walls, then click the Open Object edit button. This will open the Wall Specification dialog, where you can choose the Full Gable Wall option.

The Build Roof dialog allows you to set up your roof framing settings to your liking. In this example, the default Rafter/Truss Spacing value of 24" is used.

You can also select the Build> Framing> Build Framing from the menu to access the Build Framing dialog. Here, you can verify that the settings are set to your liking, such as the Rafter/Truss Spacing value and the Ridge box.

To create roof trusses manually, you can select Build> Framing> Roof Truss from the menu, then click and drag a line at a location where you would like a roof truss. A dimension will depict how far it is from a perpendicular wall.

To create multiple trusses at regular intervals, you can use the Multiple Copy tool. By default, the Multiple Copy interval for trusses is 24" (600 mm), but you can change this interval by clicking the Multiple Copy Interval secondary edit button.

Here is a list of steps to build the structure and roof:

Roof trusses are over 30% cheaper than rafters, making them a more affordable option for homeowners.

They use lighter materials and can be produced and purchased in large quantities, driving down the price. You can expect to spend anywhere between $50 to $450 per truss.

Using a reputable truss manufacturer provides certifications and warranties that show their products meet or even exceed industry standards.

With truss systems, the weight of the roof is distributed onto the exterior walls of the house, not the interior walls, allowing for the creation of open-concept living spaces.

Roof trusses are a cost-effective option, with prices ranging from $50 to $450 per truss, making them over 30% cheaper than rafters.

Their use of lighter materials and ability to be produced in large quantities drives down the price. The labor costs associated with trusses are also lower, as they don't require skilled labor.

Truss designers use computer-aided design software to ensure precise calculations for loading and spacing requirements, resulting in uniformity and easier installations.

The triangular shape of trusses allows them to span large distances with few supports, making it easier to create open-concept living spaces.

Removing the webs from the center third of a truss can free up usable attic space, but it's essential to consult with a licensed contractor or engineer before doing so.

Manufactured trusses are more economical and efficient than timber-framed roofs, with an average cost of $10 to $15 per linear foot, compared to $240 to $425 per linear foot for timber trusses.

The consistency of truss systems reduces waste and makes them a more efficient option than traditional stick-framing methods.

Building a new home or adding a room can be a complex process, and choosing the right truss is a crucial decision. Architects or design builders will consider the roof type, as different types like gable, hip, or gambrel roofs require different trusses.

A construction budget is also a significant factor, as some truss types can be more expensive than others. The span and load requirements of the room will also dictate the type of truss needed.

The home design itself is another key consideration, as it will determine the truss design. For example, a room with a vaulted ceiling or an open concept floor plan will require a specific truss style.

Here are some specific factors to consider:

The roof framing plan is the backbone of your roof's structure. It's essential to get it right to ensure a sturdy and safe roof.

The rafter spacing is typically 16 or 24 inches on center, depending on the roof's design and load requirements. This spacing allows for adequate ventilation and easy access for maintenance.

A properly designed roof framing plan takes into account the roof's slope, size, and load-bearing capacity. This includes the location and size of the trusses, as well as the type and spacing of the rafters.

Gable trusses are the bookends of your roof, providing support and stability to the roof sheathing. They're typically used in combination with other types of trusses.

Gable trusses have a unique configuration with two top chords meeting at a central ridge, one bottom chord, and multiple vertical posts. This setup allows for easy retrofitting of windows or fan vents without compromising the roof's integrity.

Gable trusses can cost anywhere from 25% to 50% more than standard-style trusses, making them a more significant investment.

Attic space can be a game-changer for homeowners.

Attic trusses are a great option for those looking for additional storage or living space. This type of truss allows for attic space and is designed to accommodate live loads similar to floor systems.

The wider the building structure, the bigger the attic space will be.

Attic trusses look similar to queen post trusses, but the two vertical posts are spaced further apart to allow for attic space.

A steeper roof pitch results in a taller attic ceiling.