Engineered trusses are revolutionizing how professionals in the construction industry conceptualize, plan and build.
They lower costs without sacrificing quality or durability, allowing architects and building professionals to meet the market’s demands, create modern designs and stay within budget.
As the construction industry embraces innovations like engineered trusses, architects, builders and other industry insiders must know as much as possible about these modern construction practices.
Introduction to Engineered Trusses
Engineered trusses are roof or floor trusses pre-built in an off-site controlled environment. They are built to the specifications of individual jobs, so each truss a builder receives is custom and meets specific measurements.
Design and Manufacturing Process
The engineering used to create pre-assembled trusses makes them more durable than those constructed on-site.
Trusses are made using a combination of technology and expert oversight. Their computer-aided design, customized for every job, can precisely calculate load requirements to ensure they can hold the load they need to.
Once the measurements and specs have been double-checked for accuracy, the trusses for that project are created.
To make each truss, the chords and webs are cut to the specified length and shape using perfectly calibrated machines, minimizing the potential for mismeasurement or other errors.
The pieces are then assembled with metal connector plates. A trained quality control technician inspects each completed truss, checking its dimensions, alignment and strength to ensure it meets the architect’s specs. Finally, all the trusses are loaded and delivered pre-assembled to the job site for installation.
Meeting the Challenges of Durability and Longevity
Choosing engineered trusses is the best way to ensure that your projects have the strength and durability to withstand extreme weather and other challenges now and in the future.
Durability Challenges
The triangular design of the truss is what makes it durable as well as strong. The weight distribution through the angles minimizes the stress on individual components and maintains the structural integrity of the truss so it will last.
This makes engineered trusses great for buildings with modern open floor plans. Engineered roof trusses can support a higher load from a large roof without needing interior load-bearing walls, so open-floorplan buildings can still be structurally sound and supported.
Longevity Challenges
Engineered trusses are made with high-quality, moisture-resistant and pest-resistant wood. They are also flexible, have a large load-bearing capacity and can tolerate extreme temperatures and winds well.
These features minimize the potential for warping or defects, making them longer-lasting and better able to withstand extreme events like hurricane-strength winds, earthquakes, floods, fires and blizzards.
Engineered trusses can also be retrofitted into older buildings to upgrade the resiliency of buildings in extreme weather zones — this is especially important for roofs that are in danger of failing.
Ultimately, with regular inspections and basic maintenance, engineered trusses make it easy for homeowners to trust that their homes will last a lifetime even in locations with harsh, unpredictable weather conditions.
Sustainability Considerations
The benefits of engineered trusses don’t stop with strength and durability — there are also sustainability advantages to choosing these trusses for your building projects.
Computer-led manufacturing ensures that all the trusses for your projects are perfectly cut and aligned with the measurements you supply. The precise production of the trusses reduces waste in the production process. There is also less waste at the job site because the pieces don’t need to be assembled. This reduces the need for disposal of materials, making the entire process energy efficient.
Additionally, wooden trusses are made from renewable resources, resulting in a lower carbon footprint for both the production and transportation of the trusses.
The Right Choice for Your Next Project
Engineered trusses are the solution for several big challenges that architects and builders face, such as:
- Creating a modern design that can withstand extreme weather
- Cutting down on labor costs
- Using sustainable materials and practices
- Improving durability without sacrificing affordability
- Consistency
While engineered roof trusses are highly advantageous for both industry professionals and homeowners, it is important to select premium solutions from experienced manufacturers to get the best performance possible.
At Berry Home Centers, we provide the highest quality manufactured building products, including roof trusses. Our truss solutions are made by our advanced truss manufacturing facility, Berry Truss & Component Shop, where our knowledgeable experts make trusses specifically for your project. This ensures the best possible product is delivered with your needs in mind.
Ready to see the difference our trusses can make? Visit our website or contact our team to request a quote today.