3 Popular Types Of Roof Trusses For Gambrel Roofs

The popular types of roof trusses used in gambrel roofs include Pratt trusses, Howe trusses and Warren trusses. In this blog, Tamarack Lumber Inc., a leading roof truss manufacturer and distributor in Burlington, Ontario, explores these types in detail, along with the basics of a gambrel roof.

What Is A Gambrel Roof?

Gambrel roofs are a unique type of roof profile that is characterized by slopes on both sides. However, the two slopes are not set on the same level, and the lower slope is steeper than the upper one, creating a distinct, colonial aesthetic.

What Type Of Roof Trusses Are Best Suited For Gambrel Roofs?

Pratt Trusses

A Pratt roof truss design is characterized by its triangular shape with multiple diagonal and vertical members. The diagonal members are ideal for handling tensile forces, whereas the vertical members handle compressive forces. Therefore, they provide structural stability for long spans, a feature of gambrel roofs.

Howe Trusses

A Howe roof truss is structurally the opposite of the Pratt truss, in that the vertical members bear tension and the diagonal members bear compressive forces. As a result, Howe trusses can handle heavy loads with ease across long spans, while also providing plenty of room to create loft-like spaces, making them ideal for rustic houses or barns.

Warren Trusses

In the case of Warren roof trusses, the alternating diagonal members handle tension and compression, respectively. This roof truss design provides an even distribution of load, making it stable when dealing with snow and wind. Moreover, this form of structural stability also allows builders to create roofs with large spans, making them a great choice for gambrel roofs.

Conclusion

In closing, Pratt trusses, Howe trusses, and Warren trusses are all great choices for Gambrel roofs as they offer plenty of stability and load-bearing capabilities over a large roof span.

To learn more about different types of roof trusses, contact us at Tamarack Lumber Inc. today. As one of the leading roof truss manufacturers and distributors in Burlington, Ontario, our quality products cater to a wide variety of residential and commercial projects. Give us a call at 905-335-1115 for more details.

FAQs:

What are the pros of installing a gambrel roof?

The pros of installing a gambrel roof include increased space, efficient water runoff, and versatile design.

What is the main application of a gambrel roof?

A gambrel roof’s main purpose is to maximize interior space in residential properties and barns, creating a rustic, colonial aesthetic.