How Far Are Roof Trusses Apart

Putting the trusses into place.

How far are roof trusses apart.

I ve had roof truss manufacturers try to convince me it is impossible to place wood trusses at spacings of over every 4 feet. Most are spaced between 18 26 inches apart. With this design change roof trusses could be placed 12 feet apart making it possible for roofs to support the loads to which they would be subjected. With traditional stick frame construction the trusses are usually spaced 2 feet apart.

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. 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. 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. Once you ve calculated the number of trusses you will need you should purchase the lumber.

Roof trusses were usually produced on site in the past. This is traced back to building codes and structural design standards. It was perkins who pioneered roof purlins being placed on edge. These standards are as follows.