How Far Are Roof Trusses Apart

The same concept holds true for roof trusses.

How far are roof trusses apart.

Roof trusses were usually produced on site in the past. This is traced back to building codes and structural design standards. I ve had roof truss manufacturers try to convince me it is impossible to place wood trusses at spacings of over every 4 feet. These standards are as follows.

With traditional stick frame construction the trusses are usually spaced 2 feet apart. Common spacing for trusses on this type of building is often between 2 and 4 feet but trusses built with advanced designs may allow spacing as great as 8 or 12 feet. Engineers have since determined however that the physical design of a post frame building will allow for standard spacing as great as 12 feet from the center when using high quality metal connector plates and lumber. Once you ve calculated the number of trusses you will need you should purchase the lumber.

The trusses should be a little longer than the exact width to allow for overhang and you will need sufficient trusses to mount across the length. For many traditional stick frame builders trusses spaced 8 feet apart seems unnatural but thanks to the ingenuity of modern engineering it is a very common building design. Most are spaced between 18 26 inches apart. It was perkins who pioneered roof purlins being placed on edge.