Timber Roof Trusses

Timber roof trusses are extremely important when constructing a building that requires a roof. This is so the strong frame can hold your roofing materials plus addition weather weight strongly to support and protect your building. There are three main characteristics that will make up your timber roof truss, for it to be as effective as possible. These are

Strength- A timber roof truss needs to be lightweight but at the same time extremely strong. Due to this timber roof trusses are made from a high graded timber which is kiln dried to add great strength.

Design- the design of a timber roof truss is extremely important as a very minor error could cause a significant amount of structural weakness, and lead to collapse. So when timber roof trusses are made, they are made using precise measurements by extremely accurate machines.

Connection- A timber roof trusses connections also need to be precise. Again a small fault within this will lead to a structural weakness which could lead to a collapse. Any changes that need to be corrected within the connections of a timber roof truss should be done by a structural engineer.

If these things are done properly a timber roof truss is extremely reliable, however there are a few things that should watch out for which may cause failure.

If your roof truss is exposed to damp for a long period of time due to a water leak, this will lead to a decrease in the timber strength. Another damp related problem is when your timber roof truss becomes exposed to rot and insect damage; this is a problem that can be seen in trusses in older buildings where the truss is supported by a stone wall. Connection failure is also common in roof trusses from older buildings. This is because older roof trusses where built using Mortise and Tenon joints instead of today’s bolts screws and metal pegs. These older trusses are more susceptible to being eaten by woodworm leading to decrease connection strength.