The Difference Between Rafters and Trusses

Both rafters and trusses share an important purpose in your home. They both can hold up your roof, making them an essential part of your roofing system. If you’re deciding which one of them is more suitable to support your home’s integrity, it’s best to learn more about them. In this short guide, solar roof company LePage and Sons Roofing LLC explains the difference between rafters and trusses. 

Rafters

Rafters, also known as stick framing, are constructed as a series of sloped structural pieces. They are commonly made of wood and should extend from a ridge area to the plate of your home’s wall. They are designed to support the roof and its associated loads. Solar panels, ventilation, and other roofing fixtures are well supported by rafters. 

Pros:

1. The design and structure of a rafter provide a bigger attic space.
2. Rafter can accommodate elaborate ceiling designs.
3. Less lead time is needed because rafters are often built on-site.

Cons:

1. It can take a while to stick-build the rafters on-site, a large residential home can take more than a few days to complete.
2. A rafter requires a lot of work and a lot of workers on-site. It’s also rare to find a roofing company with a craftsman that is skilled with stick-building.

Trusses

The truss is an array of beams to create a rigid and triangular structure. It’s also made of wood and should form a triangular webbing designed to fully support the roof, as well as distribute its weight evenly. It connects the roof and the outside walls of your home. 

Pros:

1. Trusses are made in certified indoor factories, ensuring their quality is controlled and consistent.
2. Trusses can be easily arranged to be delivered on the exact day they are needed.
3. Truss roofing can be completed in just a few days, saving you from expensive labor costs.

Cons:

1. Truss roofing does not leave any space for attic or insulation.
2. Even with labor cost savings, truss manufacturing is expensive.

There’s no need to Google “roofer near me”. For all your professional roofing needs, LePage and Sons Roofing LLC is the right contractor for you. Call us at (508) 295-6483 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.