How to Choose the Right Roof Truss for Your Home

Selecting the right roof truss is a crucial step in any construction project. Roof trusses are not just structural components; they determine the aesthetics, functionality and energy efficiency of your building. With so many options available, making the best choice for your specific needs can feel overwhelming. This guide will break down the key considerations and help you make an informed decision.

Understand the Basics

A roof truss is a framework of timber that supports the roof and transfers its weight to the building's walls. Common types include:

Fink Trusses: The most commonly used truss for residential properties. Ideal for simple roof shapes. If your priority is cost and simplicity, the chances are you’ll opt for a fink (or standard) truss. These are simple to design and manufacture, making them cheaper than other options.

Attic Trusses: Provide additional attic space for storage or living areas. If your priority is value, an attic truss is the best option. They will cost more initially, but will provide better energy efficiency when insulated correctly, can increase the value of your home and, crucially, will provide an entire floor of additional space for you to live in.

Scissor Trusses: Create vaulted ceilings for a more characterful and spacious interior. If your priority is character, scissor trusses will probably be at the top of your list. They create a vaulted, or cathedral, ceiling, adding bags of character to a room. They aren’t vastly more expensive than standard trusses either.

Raised Tie Trusses: Provide attentional ceiling height for a more spacious interior. If your priority is ceiling height, raised tie trusses are a great choice. They’re commonly used in garages to allow car lifts to be installed, or in homes that want a bit of extra ceiling height to match the character of the building.

Mono Trusses: Used for single-slope roofs or extensions. These are ideal for extensions, garages or as part of a larger roof structure.

Assess Your Building’s Requirements

The size, shape, and intended use of your building will heavily influence your choice of roof truss. Consider the following:

Span: How far does the truss need to span without internal supports?

Pitch: The steepness of the roof may dictate which truss designs are suitable. You’ll most likely have a maximum height imposed on you, so we can design your roof with a pitch that adheres to this.

Load Requirements: Will your roof need to support heavy loads, such as tiles, solar panels or snow?

Space Utilisation: Are you looking to maximise attic space, or is a simple roof sufficient?

Prioritise Material and Quality

Timber is lightweight, cost-effective and sustainable, making it ideal for residential builds, but not all timber is equal. All of our trusses are made from strength-graded, kiln-dried TR26 timber. This is classified under BS EN 338 standards, ensuring it meets strict requirements for structural integrity and load-bearing capabilities, making it ideal for load-bearing capacities such as roof trusses.

On top of this, the quality of the manufacturing matters. Trusses manufactured with modern equipment in a controlled environment will be higher quality, more reliable and, in the long run, better value for money. We have a custom-built factory filled with the latest and greatest of truss & joist manufacturing equipment, ensuring you’re receiving the highest quality trusses possible.

Consider Cost vs. Value

While cost is a major factor, it shouldn’t be the only one. Cheaper trusses may save money upfront but could lead to higher costs in the long run due to repairs, inefficiencies or delays. We’re proud of the fact that we can get your trusses to you, all year round, in 5-10 working days. Even in our busiest periods, we’ll never take funds from you and leave you waiting a month for something you were promised in a week. Additionally, investing in higher-quality trusses can increase your building’s lifespan, energy efficiency and resale value, making them a ‘buy once, buy right’ type purchase. This being said, we’re generally very competitive and will do all that we can to get the right price for you.

Still unsure? Contact us

If you’re not sure where to start or what type of truss might be suitable for your home, contact us and we can put together a free design for you, or simply offer some helpful advice. With every design, we provide a 3D model of your roof that you can use to visualise your project before its even begun.

📩 enquiries@tailormadedesigns.co.uk
📞 01432 355046