Roof Trusses vs Stick Framing - Pros and Cons

There are two ways to put up a roof;

  • The stick framing method - the traditional method, still very popular,
  • The roof truss method - the modern method used in the majority of new homes

They use completely different processes and there are pros and cons to each method.

Stick Framed Roof

A stick-framed roof is made up of individual rafters that are connected to a top beam. Additional boards are placed flat on the rafters to create the cover for the structure. This method is used, where you need an open space between the ceiling and the roof.

Pros

  • The stick-framed roof process allows more space underneath the roof,   
  • The roof and ceiling can be attached to the same member,   
  • Any member of the roof is easily changed and manipulated later if needed,   
  • Typically cheaper to install,     
  • If your roof leaks, it is easier to determine where the leak is coming from,     
  • Complicated roofs can be created. 

Cons

  • Stick-framed roofs are not as steady as a trussed roof,
  • All the work must be done on the site, 
  • More time and labour consuming,
  • More scaffolding, ladders etc, are needed,
  • Larger pieces of timber is required,
  • Spans are shorter than in truss roofs, 
  • Require more maintenance than trussed roofs.

Truss clips are used fix trusses, girders and rafters to the wall plate. They are available at Joisthangers.co

Roof trusses

A roof truss is a structural frame designed to harness the inherent tensile strength of a triangle -- a triangle has better structural stability than other geometrical shapes. Trusses are made prior to installation, pre-engineered.

Pros

  • Roof trusses are an engineered product,
  • Trusses span great distances without support,
  • Truss roofs are heavily reinforced, so they are more durable than stick-framed roofs,
  • They are lighter and easier to install and they do not require as much maintenance,
  • You can install more insulation to heat or cool your home.
  • Construction time and labour saving.

Cons

  • They take more materials to create; can be more expensive than stick-framed structures,
  • Once the trusses have been placed and the roof installed, they are very hard to modify if something needs to be changed.
  • Renovations are more difficult.
  • They also do not allow for any extra storage space.

At Joisthangers, you can buy on-line all accessories to build your roof, such as Truss Clips, Face Fix Timber Shoes, Timber to Timber Girder Truss Shoes, Multi Truss Girder Hangers and accessories to create a truss such as Versatile nail Plates, Nails.