Technical
Field Articles.
Practical guides on truss types, roof pitch, installation, lumber selection, permit requirements, and cost estimation — written for contractors, builders, and owner-builders.
Roof Truss Types: Fink, King Post, Scissor, Howe
Compare the five most common roof truss types: Fink, King Post, Queen Post, Howe, and Scissor. Pick the right design for your span, budget, and ceiling needs.
Roof Pitch Guide: How Slope Affects Truss Design
Learn how roof pitch affects truss height, rafter length, material costs, and code requirements. Includes a pi…
Truss Spacing: 16-Inch vs 24-Inch vs 48-Inch
Which truss spacing is right for your roof? This guide compares 16-inch, 24-inch, and 48-inch on-center spacin…
How Much Do Roof Trusses Cost in 2026?
A builder's breakdown of roof truss costs in 2026, including per-unit pricing, delivery, installation labor, a…
DIY vs Pre-Built Trusses: When to Build Your Own
Thinking about building your own roof trusses? This guide covers when DIY makes sense, the real cost savings, …
Roof Trusses vs Rafters: Which Is Better?
Trusses vs rafters: a practical comparison for residential construction covering cost, attic space, installati…
How to Measure Building Span for Roof Trusses
Step-by-step guide to measuring building span for truss design. Avoid the most common measurement mistakes tha…
7 Truss Installation Mistakes Builders Make
7 truss installation mistakes that show up repeatedly on job sites, from improper temporary bracing to missing…
What Lumber Do Roof Trusses Use? Species and Grade
A guide to the lumber species, grades, and sizes used in residential roof trusses, including why manufacturers…
Roof Truss Drawings for Building Permits: What Inspectors Need
What building departments actually require for truss permit submissions: engineering stamps, layout plans, bra…
How to Install Roof Trusses: A Step-by-Step Guide
A step-by-step guide to roof truss installation, from delivery and staging through setting, bracing, and sheat…
Roof Truss Design Loads: Snow, Live, Dead, and Wind
A builder's guide to the four structural loads that govern truss design: snow, live, dead, and wind uplift, wi…