Pre-Manufactured or Site-Built Roof Trusses: Which Is Better?

If you’re currently working on a project and need a strong roofing system for it, you know exactly what you should go for - roof trusses. These wooden systems are the backbone of a house’s structural integrity and the epitome of strength. 

 

But there’s a conundrum that surrounds them. And that lies in choosing between one of their two types, namely premanufactured roof trusses and site-built ones. For contractors, this can be a tough decision since each of them brings their own USPs to the table. 

 

However, knowing the difference between the two can make a huge impact on your project’s quality, budget and timeline. 

 

So without further ado, let’s dive deep into the pros and cons of each to see which one of them emerges as the winner. 

 

Site-Built Trusses: A Flexible Option With An Inescapable Caveat

 

Let’s begin with how site-built trusses are constructed. They are made manually on the jobsite, as the name suggests, with the help of dimensional lumber. A team of carpenters cuts and assembles each truss onsite as per the individual specifications of each project. When it comes to the end results, the truss matches the roof’s specifications. 

 

Pros: 

 

• Easy to make custom adjustments on the fly
• Doesn’t require extensive pre-planning or heavy equipment to construct 
• Works well for remote projects or very small-scale, one-off jobs

 

Cons:

 

• Manually constructing each truss is time-consuming and it slows down the process of framing
• Human error and variable site conditions may lead to inconsistent quality 
• Greater potential for material waste and expensive mistakes
• Cannot match up to current code requirements or meet modern engineering standards

 

Site-built roof trusses are convenient, no doubt. But when you weigh their positives against their negatives, the challenges could easily shadow their advantages. Especially when it comes to the complex builds of the present time. 

 

Pre-Manufactured Trusses: The Peak Of Efficiency

 

Engineered off-site in a controlled environment, like say a lumber yard, pre-manufactured trusses are delivered only once they’re fully ready for installation. All you have to do is get your crew to place them in their correct spot. You can get pre-manufactured trusses in custom sizes to ensure they’re matched to your project’s exact specs. 

 

Pros:

 

• Unparalleled precision and strength. These are tailor-made to meet load requirements and structural codes. 
• Super fast to install. Once on your site, you can install them immediately. Zero delays to framing time. 
• Maximum cost-effectiveness. The amount of material wasted is very low. And you don’t need a lot of labor to assemble this onsite. 
• Flexibility is in the design. These roof trusses can accommodate everything - from vaulted ceilings and attic spaces to overhangs and special roof profiles. 
• Consistent high quality. No manual labor-related errors. You get quality-controlled roof trusses crafted in ideal conditions. 
• Engineer approved. Pre-manufactured roof trusses come with required permits so you’re all set. 

 

Cons:

 

• You need to pre-plan extensively with your local lumber yard to get these trusses right. 
• Installation can seem a bit daunting as these trusses have to be lifted with the help of a crane or a boom before they land at their correct spot. 

 

Which Should You Go For? 

 

If you closely observe the pros and cons of pre-manufactured trusses against site-built ones, you will see the former trumping the latter in almost all aspects. It makes sense to get pre-manufactured roof trusses from a trustworthy lumber yard like Fonthill Lumber Inc. as you’ll get:

 

• Precision-engineered layouts
• Faster turnaround times
• Fully custom-made trusses 
• Delivered across Canada
• Expert support for revisions and more 

 

With us, you get trusses that meet building codes and do not cross your timeline or budget. They have what it takes to deliver long-term performance. 

 

Conclusion

 

When it comes to site-built trusses, it’s best to restrict them to niche applications. But for any other residential project, treat pre-manufactured trusses as the gold standard. Using them is how you can stay on track and save money for all your large-scale projects while ensuring long-lasting structural integrity. 

 

If you’re looking to streamline your next roof system, Fonthill Lumber Inc. has got you. Contact us to get quality-engineered roof trusses that come with the added benefit of superior service.