Bird's-Eye View: The Science Behind Construction And Contracting

Some people may be under the assumption that the strength and durability of their roofing system depend solely on the materials that they use for their shingles. This could not be further from the truth, though. The reality of the matter is that the innate strength of your roof is only as good as the strength of the structure that it is lying atop of. This is why roof trusses are an essential part of roof construction. There are many styles and designs that you could choose for your roof trusses. However, some of the factors to keep in mind when deciding on your roof truss style include the amount of stress the structure will be exposed to, the size of the roof and your individual aesthetic preferences. Below are two styles of roof trusses that are commonly used in residential construction.

King-post trusses

Undoubtedly, this is one of the more commonly used styles for residential trusses. This is because it is one of the simplest designs, thus allowing for easy and quick construction of the roofing. This type of truss is characterised by two diagonal beams that met at an apex, with one horizontal post securing the diagonal beams in place. Once installed as part of your roofing structure, the diagonal beams are referred to as the roofing rafters, whereas the horizontal beam becomes a ceiling joist.

It should be noted that king-post trusses do not extend for significant lengths and thus are suitable for average-sized roofs. In addition to this, a king-post truss system does not allow room for storage or living space and therefore may not be an ideal option for homeowners looking to have an attic or some other space between the ceiling and the roof in their structure. However, since king-post trusses are typically left bare, they add the illusion of space in a room by creating a high ceiling.

Queen-post trusses

Although the basic design of the queen-post truss is similar to that of the king post, this type of truss is much better suited for spanning longer lengths, making it suitable for a larger roof structure. The main difference you will find between the two types of trusses is that while the king post has a singular ceiling joist, the queen post truss will have two horizontal supporting beams. Since the queen-post trusses have their weight evenly distributed on the eave posts as well as ceiling joists, they do not require the installation of any vertical posts that would detract from the overall architectural design of the interior of the roof.