Roof trusses, usually fabricated from wood, frame house roofs during construction or renovation. There are many different types of roof trusses, and all of them support the other material that's used to construct the rest of the roof. They help support and spread out the load to the exterior walls.
Let's look at the different types of trusses that are in common use.
Bowstring Roof Trusses
Bowstring trusses are arched and usually large. They support the weight of buildings like aircraft hangars and warehouses which need plenty of open space within. There are multiple beams that make up an arch, with sheets of metal or other material making up the roof outside.
Water runs off easily from such roofs, and there is no need for a ridge cap like for other types of trusses.
Dual Pitched Trusses
The standard triangular truss design is such that two sides slope up to the apex above, with struts (called "upper chords") leading down from it. They are attached to a horizontal beam that makes up the base of the triangle.
The upper chords are typically of different lengths in this kind of truss, making the apex off-center. This allows plenty of open space unobstructed by poles for support.
Gambrel Trusses
Gambrel trusses are like barn roofs in appearance. There are two upper chords, one longer than the other. They meet at the apex of the truss, just like the dual pitch variety. Because the sides are steep, there's enough room for living space under the roof, or to use as an attic for storage.
A Gambrel roof truss for the home allows you to include an upper floor benefit the roof. There's also extra room for large windows, which results in a brighter appearance inside.
It is an expert's choice to pick the best from the different types of roof trusses for a specific building, and depending upon your unique needs and requirements.