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There is a house under construction just down the street. It has been fun to watch the daily progress. Most recently, I noticed a large pile of lumber delivered to the site.

Days later, a roof began to take form.

The transformation was kind of magical. I’m used to seeing pre-engineered trusses arrive at the site with all the roof slopes already set, along with bearing points, hips, and gables already determined. In the case of this conventionally framed roof, artisans with saws determine the length needed for each rafter along with its various cuts and angles.

When it comes to conventionally framing a roof or roof trusses – there seem to be two completely different points of view. Some markets just prefer “stick” framed roofs and insist they are more cost effective. Three areas that come to mind for conventionally framed roofs are Dallas, Louisiana, and the Western North Carolina mountains.

In Dallas, they like their roofs and interior volumes as steep as possible. I like to think it’s like wearing a big cowboy hat – he with the biggest hat – or steepest roof – wins.

Dallas is also a brick dominant market. The term “Texas Tray” describes a lower plate height to minimize the use of brick on the exterior while maximizing the interior volume.

In Baton Rouge, LA they too love a steep-pitched roof and French inspired architecture – often with multiple roof pitches.

In the mountains of Western North Carolina, steep roof and mountain rustic architecture seem to go together. In many cases, the steep roofs seem to match their steep and narrow roads.

So, I started asking around. Why do some builders prefer one system over the other? Why do some insist that one is more cost-effective to build? Here’s the list of pros and cons with each.

Pre-engineered roof Trusses

Pros:

• The roof itself is more cost effective because they are efficient and use less material.
• Less weight – trusses are lighter than rafters and ceiling joists therefore require less to support them.
• Faster installation which in the production housing world is magical
• Greater spans with trusses
• Precision – designed and manufactured in a controlled environment
• Consistency – which is golden to a production builder
• Expedited permitting in some jurisdictions

Cons:

• Transportation challenges – max height for a truss to be shipped is 14’
• Steeply pitched roof may require piggyback trusses (2 trusses)
• Remote areas with narrow, steep roads create a challenges
• Requires a crane to install
• Requires a certain labor force to install
• Truss spacing can create challenges for recessed can lighting
• May be perceived as a “cookie-cutter” roof

Conventionally Framed Roofs

Pros:

• Better for steeply pitched roofs
• Better for interior vaulted ceilings
• A 12/12 pitched roof can have a 12/12 interior pitch with collar ties
• A 12/12 pitched truss roof may only have a 7/12 interior pitch
• Bigger attic space
• Customizable
• More flexibility to adjust ceiling rafters for lighting during the design phase.

Cons

• Certain skill level to design and install the roof framing.
• Might require more bearing capacity for walls and foundation.

Each certainly has its own advantages – but it probably comes down to regional acceptance and available labor. Do you agree or disagree? Did I leave anything out? Feel free to let me know.