What are some common questions about Wood Trusses? Today Agcor Steel focuses on 4 frequently asked questions about these building components.
Roof trusses are a building component that supply stability and structure in agricultural, commercial, and residential construction. These structures are easily recognized by their triangular shape and are manufactured using graded and stress rated lumber that is bound together with metal plates.
- How is a wood truss made? Before anything happens the lumber is graded by a stress test to ensure quality of product and that it will be able to support the structure it is intended to reinforce. A drawing is then developed in a specialized building computer program that is then submitted to another highly specialized program on a CNC(computer numerical control) saw that precisely cuts the lumber to the desired length and specifications to meet the needs of your unique building plans. After the lumber has been cut it is then assembled according to the blueprint provided by the drawing of the building program. After the truss is assembled it is inspected once more and then either ready for pickup or loaded onto the hauling truck for delivery.
- Is a wood truss cost effective? YES! In fact wood trusses are far more affordable than steel trusses because of the initial costs of materials and the labor involved to construct both building components wood is far superior from a price point perspective. Additionally wood trusses produce far less waste on the job site then their steel counterparts which in turn saves the customer money on job-site cleanup. Lastly wood trusses do not require installation by heavy machinery where a steel truss does, which also reduces the cost of the build on the project site.
- When is a wood truss necessary? Trusses as mentioned in the introduction are used in a variety of applications including Agricultural(horse barns, chicken houses, hay barns, and other post frame structures), Commercial Buildings, and Residential Construction including both apartments and singular homes. Additionally trusses can be utilized as additional support on bridges and suspended platforms.
- What are the benefits? Wood Trusses are extremely strong and durable. They are also incredibly versatile and flexible which gives the designer virtually limitless options in building design and layout. As mentioned before wood trusses can be installed without the use of heavy machinery. Lastly wood trusses can be used in combination with other building materials like steel beams as additional support.