The roof is considered one of the most complex parts of your home. Aside from the shingles that people can see from outside, it is made up of many components that allow it to function as an effective barrier against the elements. Two of these components are the rafters and trusses. What are they, and how are they different from each other? Read on to find out.
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The Rafters
Rafters are long, rigid beams that extend from the roof’s highest point (the ridge) up to the outer walls of a building’s main structure. Rafters are made of strong wooden planks, but they can also be made of lightweight metals or alloys. Rafters leave plenty of space between the roof and the ceiling that can also double as attic space.
Rafters are great when it comes to versatility. Aside from giving you enough space that can be used for different purposes, they can also be modified to suit future renovations. Rafters are considered more difficult to install compared to trusses, but that’s not much of an issue for a certified contractor.
Trusses
Trusses are multiple triangular frames made of a strong supporting material. Unlike rafters, it may take multiple trusses to cover the ridge all the way to the outer walls, and they always go underneath the roof’s deck. Trusses are built off-site and shipped to the home during installation instead of being built from scratch.
If rafters are all about versatility, trusses emphasize specialization and convenience. Pre-built trusses are easier to install than manually built rafters so it takes less time to set them up. Roofing experts say that trusses are considered the better option for smaller homes that you don’t plan on renovating in the future.
Need help on what roofing option will work out better for you? Get in touch with us. Willi Roofing Services is the leading roofing and gutter installation contractor in Round Rock, TX. You can call us at (512) 394-8234 or fill out this contact form to request an estimate.
