When setting up a roof on a building, you need a structure that will hold up the weight of the building materials. A truss does this job very effectively. Trusses are designed as triangular structures for structural stability and their effectiveness in terms of harnessing tensile strength. Certainly, the secret to a reliable truss on your roof is to choose a good design, one that suits the particular needs of your roof. The following are some of the design considerations you should consider when setting up the truss in your home:

Parallel Chord Design

The parallel cord design is one of the options you should consider during construction. They belong to the family of scissor trusses, which also has standard, partial and offset roof trusses. Basically, the parallel chord design features strong planks of wood or pieces of steel forming the diagonal cross section of the truss. These two horizontal beams are connected by smaller pieces of wood or metal, forming zigzags between the two main beams. A horizontal beam running from one side to the other then completes the truss.

Parallel chord designs have some few advantages compared to other types. They leave you lots of room in the interior of the roof, making it easy to install insulation within the roof. To add on that, parallel chord designs are aesthetically appealing, and they enhance a unique, cathedral look.

Raised Heel Design

Raised heel truss designs rely on state-of-the-art engineering and construction techniques. They are slightly different from other conventional designs because of a heel at the point where the plate of the perimeter wall meets with the bottom cord. Initially, raised heel truss designs were meant to help rooflines live up to the aesthetic appeals of the curbs on the building. However, they are useful in enhancing the durability of a roof these days by preventing the growth of mould. They also offer a barrier around the eaves to improve the circulation of air within the attic.

Conventional Truss Designs

If the other two designs seem too expensive for you, then a conventional or standard truss would be ideal for any roof. The engineers measure the roof for a perfect fit, and the truss takes the basic shape of a triangle. Ideally, a conventional truss is here to help you avoid the mistakes, and shortfalls of a customised truss often referred to as a stick truss. While it may be a cheaper option, personalised stick trusses may not be structurally sound, and they require lots of maintenance.