The Roof Truss

Posted on January 24, 2010 | Category: House Trivia

Pitched roofs have many advantages over flat ones in most types of buildings. Roof trusses make these pitched designs possible and ensure that they remain structurally sound. A truss is constructed from either metal or timber with the latter being the most commonly used material. Roof trusses are produced in many shapes and sizes but most will take the form of a triangle and hence give the pitched roof its shape. The main function of the truss is to distribute the weight of the roofing material and other forces such as that caused by the wind throughout a building in a safe way. Most of the stress put upon a structure is channelled via the roof trusses to the major weight bearing walls.

Roof truss design is a difficult but critical task that should only be undertaken by those with the necessary qualifications and practical experience. A poorly designed truss can have catastrophic consequences including total roof collapse. Each truss is designed with the individual building it is intended for in mind. Do not make the mistake of thinking that a truss is just a simple triangular structure and attempt to build one yourself. Construction should be left to the experienced professional in all cases.

In the rare occasion that roof truss failure occurs it is usually due to either the effects of water and damp or attack by termites and other similar insects. Faulty building materials can also be the cause in some isolated incidents. If you feel that a roof truss in your home may be unsafe then you should not attempt to carry out any repair work yourself. If the structure is weakened then even minor work could cause a collapse. The best course of action is to contact a surveyor who can asses the damage and advise whether a repair or a replacement truss would be the best option.

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