Trusses vs Rafters [Archive] - Home Construction Forums

PDA

View Full Version : Trusses vs Rafters


giddonah
12-21-2004, 07:05 PM
Is it just that trusses are easier/faster? I see most people talk about trusses, but does anyone do rafters anymore?

Tom R
12-21-2004, 07:13 PM
I work on a small scale, but rafters only for me.

giddonah
12-21-2004, 07:14 PM
Why? (if you can give a quick answer) I'm just curious about this.

Rich
12-21-2004, 07:36 PM
To draw the line.. hmmm..
Small scale - rafters are probably less "management" time and can be put up quickly - no waiting for a delivery of trusses.
Larger scale - IMO this can go both ways. For instance - the current project I'm on was originally drawn as hand framed - but upon further review by the engineer he decided it would be easier and quicker to use trusses. Is what he said was that the blocking and under-framing would be very labor intensive. It also entailed installing quite a few steel beams to carry the loads over some of the longer spans. In another large project it could be much easier to hand frame.

giddonah
12-21-2004, 07:41 PM
gotcha chief. thanks.

RRG
12-22-2004, 03:30 AM
How long was the span in your example Rich, that would have required beams and labor intensive blocking and under-framing?

Rich
12-22-2004, 05:21 AM
12/12 pitch - 53' span - 21'-10" to ceiling 12' sidewalls.

Tom R
12-22-2004, 07:36 AM
In regards to the why(?) of truss versus rafters, - - I completely agree with everything Rich says, plus one more thing. I just LIKE building the roof!

Cole
12-22-2004, 08:07 AM
I just LIKE building the roof!

ME 2, but I also agree with Rich!!! :D

Rich
12-22-2004, 08:08 AM
It is pretty satisfying when you stand back and look at a hand-framed roof.

Cole
12-22-2004, 08:20 AM
Its a art!!!

MikeD
12-22-2004, 02:04 PM
You guys must not be afraid of height! I admire you fellas standing up there like it's nothing.

Cole
12-22-2004, 02:12 PM
Mike, you cant be scared or you will fall.

MikeD
12-22-2004, 02:42 PM
Mike, you cant be scared or you will fall.

That's true...I'd fall 'cause I don't have inner ear equilibrum/balance as I'm hearing impaired. So I'll have to stay off high spots requiring balance.

Tom R
12-22-2004, 04:13 PM
Why be afraid of hieghts, - - it's the bottom foot that kills ya'! :D

The fall don't hurt - - just the landing! :D

MikeD
12-23-2004, 05:42 AM
Why be afraid of hieghts, - - it's the bottom foot that kills ya'! :D

The fall don't hurt - - just the landing! :D

Haha, gotta agree with that one! Ask me how I know many times over since I ride/race motocross.

Dragon
12-23-2004, 07:32 PM
Here locally almost everything is rafter and has been since ranch style housing went out of style. The roofline is too complex.

Cole
12-23-2004, 08:31 PM
I liked chopped up roofs, hehe

Especially to design them!!!