10 Roof Truss Types and When to Use Them

Key Takeaways: 

 

Choosing the most appropriate truss type for your next Ontario construction project requires gaining a deep understanding of each kind. Each truss serves a specific purpose, and learning what it does can help you:

 

• Ensure strength and efficiency 
• Stay within the project’s budget
• Get greater design flexibility 

 

Explore the characteristics of each type in this detailed guide. 

 

Whether you have a simple residential build on your hands or a complex span, you need the right roof system that meets your project’s needs. That can only be done by analyzing your project’s requirements against the strengths of each type to determine which of them is a perfect match. 

 

In all fairness, this can be complicated. That is why today’s blog from Fonthill Lumber Inc. – Ontario’s top truss engineering company, focuses on explaining each truss type and when to use them. 

 

Since trusses are typically categorized based on their shape, load distribution, and span capabilities, knowing when to use each type can help you secure the strength and success of your project. Just keep in mind the span, load, cost, and complexity of your project in mind before choosing one. 

 

That said, if you are new to the world of roof trusses, our handy roof truss guide can help you gain deeper insight into what this roofing system is all about. 

 

Now let’s get started with the top 10 roof truss types and when you should use each of them! 

 

 

10 Roof Truss Types and When to Use Them

While fink might be the most common roof truss style in residential construction, architects and builders have the flexibility to achieve unique designs by experimenting with various truss types. These include:

 

1. King Post Truss 

 

King Post Trusses are one of the simplest residential roof truss types you can use for your project. Consisting of a bottom chord that meets two angled top chords and a central vertical post, it is a robust structure designed specifically for projects with shorter spans – typically of no more than 8 meters. 

 

These roof trusses should be used to build: 

 

• Small homes
• Sheds
• Garages 

They are the most cost-effective and efficient option for small-scale structures. We do not recommend them for projects with heavy loads or longer spans, as they are not strong enough to withstand their demands. 

 

 

2. Queen Post Truss 

 

Queen Post Trusses follow more or less the same structure as king post trusses, with one crucial difference – they feature two vertical posts instead of one. The addition of one extra vertical post allows this truss type to span longer distances compared to king post trusses. 

 

These roof trusses can be used to build: 

 

• Mid-sized residential homes
• Barns 
• Agricultural buildings 

All in all, they are a good choice for any project that requires slightly larger spans without an increase in the structure’s complexity. However, despite their improved load distribution capabilities, they still cannot handle the demands of larger builds. 

 

 

3. Fink Truss 

 

Fink Trusses dominate residential roof construction, thanks to their distinctive “W” design. 

 

This W-shaped webbing pattern is highly effective in distributing loads, making it one of the most preferred roof truss framing options. 

 

Cost-effective, efficient, and capable of handling moderate spans and loads, you can use this truss type to build standard homes across Ontario. In fact, most builders consider it their default choice as it offers strong structural performance for decades to come without requiring excess material or labor for construction. 

 

 

4. Scissor Truss 

 

Shaped exactly like its name suggests, Scissor Trusses are commonly used to create impressive vaulted or sloped ceilings, lending a sense of grandeur to the building. 

 

In this truss type, the bottom chords angle upward, which creates a slope that gives it a distinctive look. Aesthetically pleasing and quite flexible when it comes to design capabilities, these trusses are used to build: 

 

• Residential homes
• Churches and community halls
• Workshops and garages 

One must note here that engineering these trusses is not easy. Their complex structure requires a careful manufacturing process, which also makes them more expensive when compared with standard trusses. They are best for projects that prioritize aesthetics and have a larger budget to boot. 

 

 

5. Attic Truss

 

Attic Trusses are specifically built to create extra usable room in the ceiling of a structure. This space can be used for storage or as a living area without requiring extensive modifications to the existing roof structure. They are typically found in residential homes that demand maximum interior space. 

 

That said, they are not suitable for projects on a tight budget as they require more material to fabricate, which can drive up costs. It is best to save them for projects where space efficiency is a critical design factor. 

 

 

6. Mono Truss 

 

Mono Trusses feature a single slope so they can be used to build a wide variety of structures, including lean-to roofs, extensions, or modern architectural designs. 

 

They can be found in any type of building that requires a single slope only, such as: 

 

• Sheds
• Garages
• Additions to existing homes
• Commercial spaces

Simple by design, these roof systems are more likely to require additional support if their span and load requirements exceed what they can typically carry. 

 

 

7. Gambrel Truss 

 

Commonly found in barns, Gambrel Trusses feature two slopes on each side, which creates additional headroom on the inside. 

You can confidently use them to build: 

 

• Barns 
• Storage units
• Residential spaces that require extra wiggle room in the attic 

Although they are complex to build and install, they are still the most space-efficient type of residential roof trusses available. 

 

 

8. Flat Truss

 

Flat Trusses have become quite popular lately. Featuring a low slope design that is still slightly angular to support drainage (not completely flat as the name suggests), this truss type is perfect for modern residential and commercial buildings.

 

In fact, it can be used to create really wide spans and supports the construction of multi-unit builds, making it ideal for large-scale projects. However, since it is nearly flat at the top, it requires careful engineering to ensure it can handle the heavy snow loads of Ontario winters. 

 

 

9. Parallel Chord Truss 

 

Parallel Chord Trusses feature a set of two chords – one at the top and one at the bottom – that run parallel to each other. They are a variation of the flat roof truss, and though this style is commonly used to build floors, they can be employed to erect sturdy roofs as well. 

 

Since they feature excellent load distribution properties, they can be used to build projects that require uniform structure support, like multi-unit homes or commercial spaces. 

 

 

10. Custom/Engineered Truss 

 

The sky is the limit when it comes to custom roof trusses. Going the custom way can help you build homes featuring incredibly large spans, thus supporting the construction of the most ambitious projects in your pipeline. 

 

Tailor-made trusses can help you meet specific project requirements that traditional styles cannot fulfil. You can use them to accomplish complex rooflines and unique building designs. All you have to do is specify them accurately to get engineered systems that strike the perfect balance between structural performance and efficiency. 

 

If you want to compare layouts and understand exactly where each type fits best, our residential roof truss guide can help you. 

 

 

A Quick Comparison of Different Roof Truss Types

Design is not the only difference between the types of roof trusses we have discussed above. Each of them varies when it comes to span, cost, complexity, and best use case scenarios as well. 

 

Span capabilities 

 

The span range of each truss is variable, with king post trusses typically featuring the lowest span lengths. As for the longest spans, that spot is reserved for custom trusses. In any case, the span of a truss can impact its overall structural design. 

 

Cost efficiency 

 

Simpler trusses – king post or queen post trusses, for instance, cost significantly less to make. While complex trusses might cost more, they also offer higher load capacities and better long-term performance. 

 

Complexity and installation effort 

 

Building complex styles is no easy task. They require partnering with a very experienced truss fabricator. Their labor demands are also higher, and they can be more intricate and time-consuming to install. 

 

Best use case 

 

The most suitable truss type for each project depends entirely on its span and load requirements. 

 

Here is a detailed table that stacks different roof trusses against each other so you can make a more informed decision when choosing one among them:

 

 

Quick Comparison Checklist 

 

To know how two or more truss types fare against each other, make sure you evaluate the following points of comparison: 

 

• Span capabilities
• Load-bearing capacity
• Material requirements
• Installation complexity 
• Cost to build and install
• Impact on usable interior space

 

 

Which Roof Truss Type Should You Choose

Choosing the right roof truss design type requires the serious consideration of multiple project-specific factors that primarily include: 

 

Matching truss type to project type

 

Your choice of truss should sync with the type of project you are working on. For example, if you are building a garage, it is best to use king post or mono trusses. For standard homes, fink or attic trusses are a good choice. 

 

Matching truss to span and load requirements

 

For projects with longer spans, you can go for engineered roof trusses. They are typically stronger. 

 

Matching truss to architectural design

 

Design preferences, such as vaulted ceilings, can influence the final truss choice. 

 

Matching truss to budget constraints

 

Simpler trusses are more cost-effective to build. On the other hand, custom designs can drive up the costs of a project. 

 

Choosing the Right Truss Type Checklist

 

Here is a quick checklist you can use to verify if your final truss choice is the best option for your project: 

 

• Project type – residential or commercial 
• Span requirements
• Roof pitch preference
• Amount of interior space needed
• Budget considerations 
• Local building codes
• Material requirements 

Choosing the right roof truss is complex, but you can simplify the entire process by basing your choice on real-world project constraints. 

 

Roof Truss Types for Large and Complex Builds

Complex builds are a whole other ballgame when it comes to roof truss selection. You have to closely consider their individual requirements, which are typically best fulfilled by custom roof trusses. Here’s why:

 

Wide spans

 

Buildings of a larger size need trusses that feature extended spans and maintain their structural integrity without deflecting or collapsing under loads. Custom trusses can fulfill this requirement. 

 

Commercial structures 

 

Though a residential construction staple, trusses may be used for commercial structures as long as the roof system has been precisely engineered for maximum load distribution and durability. 

 

Wide span trusses are truly the best choice for complex designs as they are able to meet the project’s structural and architectural demands. 

 

 

Conclusion

Selecting the right roof truss type for your project is key to ensuring its longevity. The perfect truss match can enhance your project’s structural performance, ensure design success, and serve as a cost-efficient option. That said, it is critical to balance design, span, and load requirements so you can make the ideal choice.

 

Want to simplify construction and improve the durability of all your upcoming projects? Fonthill Lumber Inc.’s custom roof trusses are designed by expert truss engineers at our Welland, Ontario, facility to support the efficient construction of projects of all shapes and sizes. Contact us to learn how our roofing systems support long-term building performance. 

 

 

FAQs

 

What are the most common roof truss types?

 

Fink, king post, queen post, and scissor roof trusses are most commonly used in residential construction projects across Ontario. 

 

Which roof truss type is best for homes? 

 

Generally, fink roof trusses are the best choice for standard Ontario homes. They are cost-efficient and distribute loads very effectively. 

 

What is the strongest roof truss design? 

 

Custom trusses that are engineered for specific loads and spans are the strongest type of roof trusses. 

 

How do builders choose roof truss types? 

 

The standard practice is to consider critical project factors such as span, load, design, cost, and local building code requirements to select the right truss type. 

 

Are custom roof trusses worth it? 

 

Absolutely. There is no better choice for large or complex projects. Custom trusses offer the kind of design flexibility and performance such projects need.