Posts tagged: floor truss manufacturer

We all know that trusses are strong, durable and cost-effective, but many builders also believe–falsely, as it turns out–that they are boring.  Nothing could be further from the truth!  With the right truss design, builders can not only bring quality and efficiency to their building projects but can also create unique shapes and spaces that make their homes stand out.

What Is Truss Design? 

A truss is simply a prefabricated structure, usually made of wood with metal fasteners, that holds up the roof of the house.  Their members, or pieces, sit inside an external frame and help deflect force; as a result, trusses can hold up a great deal of weight relative to their size and can withstand pressure from different angles.

Trusses provide a quick and economical way to build a roof that avoids the problem of stick-building rafters in place.  However, most roof trusses are mass-produced in particular shapes or sizes that are common for homes.  This leads to the impression that this is the only way trusses can be produced.

In reality, trusses can be designed and built to any specifications and still offer cost-effectiveness and strength. 

Three Advantages of Unique Truss Design 

Designing unique trusses does take some time, but there are several advantages in custom-built trusses that make them worth the extra effort.

• Truss design allows builders to create unique profiles and shapes. One thing that many buyers are looking for these days is to avoid the “cookie cutter” look of so many mid- to late-century suburban developments.  An easy way to make a home stand out from its neighbors is to change the roofline.  If many homes on the street have gable roofs, a hip roof will definitely be a standout!  Additionally, more and more plans today offer alternatives to various rooflines, allowing homeowners to choose the precise look they want.  This, in turn, allows builders to have some leeway with how the roof is formed and the final presentation.
• Truss design allows builders to work around problem areas. Not all homes are the same, and for some, problem areas may exist with current rooflines.  This is particularly true if water is not shedding properly or if the roofline for some reason is not holding up well at the site.  With unique truss design, a builder can work with a truss manufacturer to reshape all or part of a roofline to work with its environment.
• Truss design allows builders to add to current plans. If a plan calls for a gable roof, but the owners would like current or future expansion under the roofline, one of the easiest ways to change this is to change the trusses used.  Moving from gable to attic-space trusses, which contain a central void for the new space, is a quick and economical way to add more space to a home instantly, without a huge investment in expansion.

At Stone Truss, we offer San Diego builders options to help them satisfy even the most discerning clients.  Give us a call today to talk about unique and custom truss design for your next building project!

While Trusses are often used to speed up building time, particularly with homes or businesses that need very similar roofline construction, trusses can create unique, beautiful roofs as well.  The idea that truss builds must be boring and “cookie cutter” is simply not true.  With a good design, any truss application can be created that gives your project beauty and appeal as well as function, convenience and cost savings.

Building Creative Rooflines

Many builders think of trusses as a great solution for simple gable-style roofs that run the span of a home in one direction.  Of course, his is one of the easiest roofs to construct and is therefore often used to keep building costs low.  However, trusses do not have to be limited to the same old boring rooflines.  They can also be designed and built to give your project aesthetic appeal.  Some examples of ways you can use trusses to quickly create beautiful, unique rooflines include:

• Hip roofs. Trusses are not only suitable for gable roofing.  Hip roofs are also a great choice for trusses, which make constructing hips very fast and simple.  Hips are often used, especially in varying sizes, to give multi-level rooflines such as those found on cottage or chateau-inspired plans.
• Flat roofs. In San Diego, the architecture of many homes and businesses is inspired by Central American, South Western and Spanish styles.  Many of these include flat rooflines that draw attention away from the roof and to the beautiful stucco walls and courtyards that are the hallmark of these styles.  Flat rooflines can be very difficult to build correctly while incorporating the proper slope for drainage, but truss construction solves that problem quickly.  Builders can create a lovely flat roof that is also functional and reliable.
• Gambrel or Bowstring styles. Some styles rely on generous curves and slopes to create a barn-like effect.  These types of roofs, usually in the gambrel or bowstring style, may also serve another function:  they offer under-roof space in attics for future expansion of living space.  Gambrel or bowstring trusses make it easy to construct these types of rooflines quickly, whether the purpose is to gain immediate square footage or simply prepare for future additions.  Homeowners often find it a great selling point when a house has the possibility of easy future additions at a relatively low cost.

At Stone Truss in San Diego, we have spent decades creating the right truss roofing and flooring solutions for our customers.  Our professionals can help you design the right trusses for your needs, the build them with quality materials and deliver them to your building site on demand.  With our professional, quick and affordable services, you can utilize the many benefits of truss roofs and floors at a price that will keep you within your building budget and ultimately improve your bottom line. Give us a call today at (760) 967-6171 to learn more about how Stone Truss can help you with your next building project.