Say Goodbye To The Attic With A "Steel" Face
A trussed roofing system is one that features a triangular structural framework that supports the weight of the roof. Long pieces of timber/steel are used to make the outer (triangular) shell of the framework. Shorter pieces of timber/steel are then connected to the outer shell of the framework longitudinally.
Homeowners who choose a steel truss over one that's made of wood often have to dig deeper into their pockets for their chosen truss. This article provides two reasons why the extra cost of a steel truss may be worth your money.
Construction Delays And Weather Resistance
Delays in the construction of a new home are often caused by a number of factors. Examples of these factors include the late delivery of building materials, poor weather conditions and financial constraints.
Steel trusses are pre-constructed and delivered to the construction site ready for installation while their wooden counterparts are often assembled on-site before the truss is installed. For this reason, the installation of a steel truss is likely to be done much faster than that of a wooden truss. Also, there is the possibility that the timber to be assembled may be delivered to the construction site late, thereby causing unnecessary delays in your construction schedule.
Harsh weather conditions (e.g. heavy rainfall or snow) also often put a temporary stop to construction-related activities. If a wooden roof truss is exposed to such harsh weather conditions, its structural integrity is likely to be affected. This is because the lumber on the truss will absorb water/moisture into its internal structure, thereby causing a variety of problems (e.g. warping, shrinkage and rot). In such a situation, you might have to replace the wooden truss once construction-related activities commence. This could translate to extended delays in the construction process is finances for the truss replacement are not readily available.
Because steel does not absorb water, the structural integrity of the truss is not likely to be affected by exposure to harsh weather conditions. Consequently, there would be no need for truss replacement and no need to delay construction-related activities.
The Questions Of Pests
A steel roof truss will continue to be advantageous even after you've moved into the newly-constructed house.
You're unlikely to have problems related to pest-infestation with a steel roof truss. The steel surfaces of the truss are unattractive to household pests, especially termites. The lumber in a wooden truss is a delicacy in the eyes of the termite.
Also, the steel truss makes for a "cold" shelter for larger household pests such as the feral pigeon that commonly make a habitat out of "warmer" wooden trusses.
Contact truss manufacturers for more information.
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