Roof Truss Blueprints for Builders and DIYers

Roof truss blueprints are a crucial aspect of building or renovating a home, providing a clear and detailed guide for constructing a sturdy and safe roof.

A roof truss blueprint typically includes the location and size of each truss, as well as the type of lumber and fasteners required for each one.

The International Residential Code (IRC) requires that roof truss blueprints be designed and stamped by a licensed professional, such as a structural engineer or architect.

A typical roof truss blueprint will also include information on the truss layout, such as the span and pitch of the roof, as well as the location of any hips, valleys, or ridges.

There are two basic types of trusses used in roof construction. The pitched or common truss is characterized by its triangular shape and is most often used for roof construction.

The King Post, Fan, Fink or Howe truss are some common examples of pitched trusses, named according to their web configuration. The chord size and web configuration are determined by span, load and spacing.

A King Post truss design features a single vertical joist that runs through the center of the triangular frame, making it useful for framing structures that don’t require quite as much support as structures that bear more weight.

If you need to reinforce a small, lightweight structure, a King Post truss might be the way to go. It's a simple and effective design that can provide the support you need.

The Fink truss, on the other hand, features internal joists arranged in a “W” shape, ensuring even weight distribution from one end to the other. This makes it a great option for bolstering a floor, roof, or deck.

The Howe truss closely resembles the King Post and Fink styles, but with additional angled beams arranged around the central joist at regular intervals. This provides unshakable support from below.

Here's a quick rundown of the types of roof trusses you might need to consider:

Standard configurations for roof trusses are a great place to start when designing your blueprints. You can choose from a 2x4 floor or roof truss, which can be designed with a chase as well.

The Gambrel configuration is another option, but it's not specified what that entails in the provided article sections.

For those looking for more specific plans, you can opt for a Gable Truss with a 6/12 roof pitch, which can be designed with or without rafter tail specifications.

Attic trusses come in various sizes and shapes. A 28' Attic Truss has a 12/12 pitch and 12" overhang.

For a 28' Attic Truss, the truss is manufactured as a piggyback truss due to its overall height, allowing for transportation. This truss is used in planset: GARAGE4828-A6D-3.

A 24' Attic Truss has the same pitch and overhang as the 28' Attic Truss. This truss is used in planset: SHOP4824-A6DB.

Gambrel Attic Trusses offer a larger attic space with a 9 ft. ceiling and 17 ft. width.

A 2x4 Floor or Roof Truss is a standard configuration that can be designed with a chase as well. This type of truss is a versatile option for various building projects.

The Gambrel truss style is a popular choice for its ability to provide a larger attic space with a 9 ft. ceiling and 17 ft. width, as seen in the 28' Gambrel Attic Truss.

For those who prefer a more classic gambrel shape, the 32' Gambrel Attic Truss is a variation that stays truer to the classic design, with a larger attic space and deeper bottom chord.

To design your truss, start by sizing the bottom chord 0.25 inches (0.64 cm) longer than the floor. This ensures a proper fit and accounts for possible inconsistencies.

Incorporating overhanging top chords can add extra visual flair to your truss, with the top chords extending down over the edges of the bottom chord by 1-3 feet (0.30-0.91 m).

Here are some common Gambrel truss configurations:

The first step in creating your roof truss blueprints is to determine the size of your truss. This involves measuring your structure to determine its overall length and height.

A simple king post truss is a great option for small, lightweight structures. This style features a single vertical joist that runs through the center of the triangular frame.

For a floor, roof, or deck, a Fink truss is a good choice. In a Fink truss, the internal joists are arranged in a "W" shape, ensuring even weight distribution from one end to the other.

Howe trusses provide unshakable support from below and are often built onto the underside of the structure they're intended for.

Here are the different types of trusses and their typical uses:

As you start assembling your roof truss, it's essential to have a solid plan in place. Measure and mark your timber with a pencil, and make precise measurements to ensure your truss is sturdy and fits together properly.

To avoid running out of lumber, it's recommended that you buy 10-15% more than you think you'll need. This will give you a little leeway in case of any unexpected waste or adjustments.

Here are some key tips to keep in mind during assembly:

So you've got your timber measured and marked, now it's time to start putting the truss together. To ensure your truss is sturdy and fits together properly, precise measurements are crucial.

Cut your truss pieces to size using a jigsaw, as this will allow you to make short crosscuts through thick pieces of wood with maximum efficiency. A jigsaw is a game-changer for this step.

You'll need 2 top chords, 1 bottom chord, and at least 1 central joist for support. Don't forget to gather up the individual pieces before assembling the truss.

Use construction adhesive to hold the truss components together. Apply a generous amount of adhesive to the face of each piece where it will intersect with the next, then press the connecting pieces together for 30-40 seconds.

Attach gusset plates at each connection site to fasten the finished truss. Apply a thin layer of construction adhesive to the backside of a plate, then flip it over and press it firmly into place over a joint between two truss beams. Insert construction screws every 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) through the holes in the face of the plate and use an electric drill to drive the screws deep into the wood.

When working on a project, it's always a good idea to express gratitude to those who help you out.

It's recommended that you buy 10-15% more lumber than you think you'll need to account for possible waste and give yourself a little leeway.

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To assemble your project, you'll need a few essential tools and materials. First and foremost, you'll require some sturdy wooden lumber, specifically 2 in x 4 in pieces.

Plywood or galvanized steel gusset plates are also crucial for added stability. These can be used to reinforce joints and provide extra support.

A measuring tape is a must-have for accurate measurements and ensuring your pieces fit together perfectly.

A triangle square is another essential tool for ensuring your corners are square and your pieces are properly aligned.

You'll also need a jigsaw to cut your wooden lumber to the required size.

Work gloves and safety goggles are a must for protecting yourself from potential hazards while working with power tools.

A pencil and graphing paper can come in handy for making precise measurements and sketches of your project.

A C-clamp can be useful for holding pieces in place while you work on them, but it's not essential.