Roof Trusses Distance Apart

Putting the trusses into place.

Roof trusses distance apart.

Most are spaced between 18 26 inches 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. The same concept holds true for roof trusses. The trusses should be a little longer than the exact width to allow for overhang and you will need sufficient trusses to mount across the length.

With traditional stick frame construction the trusses are usually spaced 2 feet apart. So the space between rafters can be greater without reducing the maximum span. In addition each roofing truss will be made of a two by four piece of lumber or in areas with expected or usual heavy snow fall there will be trusses which are two inches by six inches. Most economical when the difference in slope between the top and bottom chords is at least 3 12 or the bottom chord pitch is no more than half the top chord pitch.

Flat the most economical flat truss for a roof is provided when the depth of the truss in inches is approximately equal to 7 of the span in inches. The bay is the space within the truss and the longitudinal joining members are purlins. 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. A 10 8 6 and 4 spacing between trusses has been the standard for most types of construction for years.

These are typically spaced at certain intervals to provide the necessary support for the roof. Their defense is our engineers will not allow us to. Also important to note here is that a two inch in a two by four or two by six is only one and a half inches in actual weight. 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.