What to Discuss With Your Contractor About Roof Trusses

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Roof trusses are a good way of exposing the ceiling of a home and making the space seem larger and even grander. Trusses are built in a triangle and used to hold up the weight of a house, so you can remove the ceiling and keep the beams and upper areas of the house exposed. This can also open up the first floor of a home, as you may be able to remove load-bearing walls under the trusses, allowing for an open floor plan. This also allows you to add walls where you want them and not where they're needed for support. If you're thinking of using roof trusses in your home, note a few questions to discuss with your contractor so you know you get the right type and know what's involved in having these in your home.

Can you add storage or an attic with a truss?

There are many types of trusses that can be used in a home, and some will have the ability to be closed in for an attic or ceiling storage. Note your preference to your contractor, and they can ensure you have the right trusses installed for this type of storage.

Also, note that some roof trusses are made of a very expensive wood species so the trusses will be very attractive. Beams do need to be a certain thickness for structural support, but some are created to be overly thick, also for their appearance. If you want to close up the upper part of your home for storage or an attic, ask about the cheapest beams available so you don't overspend on something that looks good but which you'll never see.

Can you keep the ceiling and add a step when you install trusses?

A step or recessed ceiling can usually be worked around roof trusses very easily. Note your preference to your contractor so he or she can help you choose the best trusses and then also have them spaced around the area you want to keep recessed.

Can trusses be installed under any roofing material?

Heavier roofs may need a thicker or denser species of wood for the truss, and the home may also need more trusses to support that heavier roof. However, this shouldn't stop you from considering roof trusses; your contractor can note the overall weight of the home's roof and if you plan on adding more layers to the roof in the future, and then recommend the right type of truss to support it properly.

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23 May 2017

Repairing or Replacing a Roof

Hello, welcome to my roofing blog, my name is John and I live in Alice Springs, Australia. I recently moved out here with my wife and two kids to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city. We bought an old farmhouse and are in the process of renovating it. The place needs quite a bit of work. One of the biggest jobs so far has been sorting out the roof. It was missing a few tiles and I couldn't decide if we should try and repair it or if it would be better to have it repaired. Thankfully, my neighbour is something of an expert. He came and inspected the roof and recommended that we replace it. He explain how roofing works and the benefits of using different materials. I have learnt so much, I decided to start this blog.