Timber Vs Metal Roof Trusses For Residential Construction: Why Wood Wins
Metal and timber roof trusses are often pitted against each other in terms of the long-term value they offer. While there is no denying that both have their place in construction, for residential builds, the crown goes to timber roof trusses with good reason.
Timber trusses are a smart, sustainable, and tailored solution for residential roofing systems. Offering reliable performance while being highly versatile, timber trusses can increase the short and long-term value of your project. Let us explore what makes them a better choice when compared to metal trusses.
1. Timber Roof Trusses Are Cost-Effective
More cost-effective in terms of production and installation when compared to steel trusses, timber trusses are great for projects on a tight budget. Pre-fabricated with engineered wood and manufactured in your local lumber yard, these trusses can cut costs in several ways:
- Reduced transportation costs due to their lighter weight and lower raw material needs
- Shorter lead times
- Easy installation and framing curtails added expenses
If you need to build your project fast and within budget, timber is the better choice in terms of overall value and performance.
2. Timber Roof Trusses Are Tailored For Residential Projects
Of all the truss materials out there, timber proves to be the perfect choice for residential projects time and again. Just as steel trusses are ideal for industrial applications or large-scale projects alone, such as aircraft hangars and warehouses.
The question is – why does wood excel when it comes to homes? This is because:
- Wood trusses can be easily customized to suit different house shapes
- They are highly compatible with materials commonly used for framing
- They have an impeccable durability record in one- and two-story projects
With pre-fabricated timber roof trusses, you have the flexibility to design any roof pitch or style – from custom cottages to suburban bungalows.
3. Timber Roof Trusses Are More Sustainable
Unlike metal, wood is actually both renewable and biodegradable. Not to mention, it also has a significantly lower carbon footprint by comparison. If you choose a lumber yard that offers timber trusses made from sustainably sourced wood, you can reduce the environmental impact of your project by several notches. Whereas if you choose steel, you are opting for materials that have a highly energy-intensive manufacturing process. So, to get that green certification you have been eyeing, it is better to opt for timber LVLs, which are produced with minimal waste.
4. Timber Roof Trusses Are Easy To Handle & Install Onsite
Heavy, rigid, and reliant on large machinery such as cranes for movement and placement, steel trusses can be an inconvenience, to say the least. After all, you also need skilled steelworkers to install them. On the other hand, timber trusses do not pose any such challenges. Instead, they are:
- Significantly lighter, and hence, easier to move onsite
- Easy to handle by small-sized crews
- Simple to install, as they do not require welding or specialized steel connectors
What does it all result in? Faster installation, coupled with lower labor costs and streamlined framing, which is necessary for remote or tight urban projects.
5. Timber Roof Trusses Are Easy To Repair & Modify
Whether you need to fix the unlikely occurrence of damage or have to carry out last-minute modifications, timber roof trusses are easier to work with. You can adjust or repair them in a jiffy – unlike steel trusses, which require a lot of specialized equipment and hard work for even the tiniest of changes. Moreover, in case the structural integrity of your timber roof truss is compromised, you can use simple bracing or sistering to restore its strength in a cost-effective and efficient manner.
Conclusion
If you have a residential roofing project on hand, you cannot go wrong with timber trusses. The perfect combination of customization and sustainability, roof trusses made of lumber will elevate the strength of your project while bringing down costs. Especially if you turn to Fonthill Lumber Inc. for all your truss needs. Contact us to get high-quality roof trusses for your home builds and renovation projects.
