Components of Timber Roof Trusses

Helping you choose the right type of roof trusses for your next project.

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Components of Timber Roof Trusses

Designed to provide structural support to a roof, timber roof trusses are used on everything from normal roofing to heavy-loaded roofs, such as those with solar units or air conditioning systems. Comprised of one or more triangular structures, there are key components to ensure that structural stress is distributed evenly.


At Leach Trusses, we stick to a tried and tested formula when it comes to our timber roof truss installations on the Sunshine Coast. This ensures that a strong affiliation is maintained between key components and that customers are left highly satisfied. For further information or to get a quote, please give us a call on (07) 5494 1077! We operate throughout the Sunshine Coast and surrounds, including Gympie, Noosa, Maroochydore, Caloundra, Caboolture, Morayfield, North Lakes and Brisbane.

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What Are The Key Components Of Timber Roof Trusses?

The four key components of a timber roof truss include top chords, bottom chords, webs and panel points.


Top Chords

  • This structure is used in conjunction with webs and the bottom chord to create the upper perimeter of the roof. The top chords are set at the angle of the roof and carry the tile/sheet roofing battens.
  • Since top chords form the apex of the timber roof truss, they are subjected to bending and compressive presses, especially in cases where permanent heavy loads are installed on roofing.
  • As well as this, top chords are designed to withstand adverse weather, such as stormy winds. Both beams that comprise the top chords are slightly extended past the bottom chord to create eaves, which are essential in preventing water ingress and animal nesting.


Bottom chords

  • As its name suggests, the bottom chord lies horizontally at the bottom of the roof truss with each end connected to the top chords.
  • Its main functions are to ensure that the top chords do not spread apart when put under heavy pressure and to allow the underside to be fixed to the ceiling lining. It is connected to the top chords through metal connector plates.
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Webs

  • Webs are small cross-sectional members that are fixed in between the top and bottom chords and allow trusses to span a building’s full width by conjoining both chords at various points.
  • Webs are perhaps the most important component of timber roof trusses. This is because they give trusses strength and durability by making sure that stresses are transferred equally throughout the structure. This prevents singular parts from caving under heavy pressure.


Panel points

  • Webs and chords are joined at panel points. They are connected using nail plates which, when pressed into the timber, form solid points along the chords.
  • These solid points are otherwise known as panel points and are important in ensuring that the truss remains strong when installed upright.
  • Most panel points feature along the bottom chord.
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Types of Roof Trusses

Choosing the type of roof truss to use in your home is one of the most important decisions you can make. Your roof provides shelter, security and safety and is often your first line of defence when it comes to our wild Australian weather.


Understanding the components of roof trusses will help you make the best decision when it comes to choosing the truss design for your roof, and help you understand why it’s so important to get this decision right.


For professional advice and guidance on selecting right type of roof truss, don't hesitate to get in touch with the experts at Leach Trusses today.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What Does The Top Chord Do?

    The top chord of a roof truss sits at the upper edge of the truss. It can be set at an incline or completely horizontal. It tolerates stress that comes from pressure or bending of the roof.

  • What Does The Bottom Chord Do?

    The bottom chord of a roof truss sits at the base of the truss. Usually, the bottom truss is horizontal, but it can be placed at an incline if necessary. There is a possibility of stress if this truss is carrying any of the ceiling load.

  • What Is Web Bracing?

    Web bracing is a set of internal parts that connect the top and bottom parts of the triangle, adding stability and absorbing stress.

  • What Are The Different Types Of Roof Trusses?

    The different types of roof trusses are:


    • The standard fink is the most common type of roof truss, and it’s designed for spans up to 20 feet long. It features two brackets that join at the centre and a king post, or ridgepole, at the top. The standard fink can be constructed from either steel or wood.
    • A mono truss is a very simple design with a single bracket. It’s ideal for smaller houses with less than 5-foot-long spans. These trusses are usually made from wood or steel, though some companies also offer them in aluminium.
    • Gable trusses are similar to mono trusses, but they have two brackets instead of just one. This allows them to span longer distances than mono trusses do; however, they’re not quite as strong as standard finks and have a tendency to sag over time if not properly installed by trained professionals.
    • Attic trusses are used in places where there isn’t enough room below ground level for storing things like furniture or extra tools.

  • How Do Roof Trusses Work?

    Roof trusses are the backbone of your home. They hold it up and keep it safe from the elements, which is why we take them so seriously. Roof trusses are made of wood, steel, or a combination of both. The wooden part of the house is called the timber frame, while the steel part is called the metal frame. The timber frame is held together by timber joinery and connected to a metal frame by metal straps that go over the top of each joist. The space between two timbers can be filled with insulation or left open, it’s up to you!

  • Can Trusses Be Cut Or Altered?

    No, trusses cannot be cut or altered in any way. This could cause them to lose their structural integrity and would be a safety hazard for the house.

  • How Many Roof Trusses Do I Need?

    Several factors determine how many roof trusses you need. The first is the size of your roof, as well as its pitch. Then there are other considerations, such as:


    • How many rooms are being covered?
    • Do you want to make sure there is adequate headroom?
    • Are there any special features that need to be accommodated (e.g., a skylight)?

  • Which Style Of Truss Is Best For My House?

    There are many factors to consider when choosing a style of truss for your house, but the most important is how well it will suit the specific requirements of your home.


    You’ll want to consider things like:


    • The type of roofing material you’ll be installing
    • The pitch of your roof (slope)
    • How much weight do you expect the roof to bear, and what kind of materials do you need to support it?
    • Whether or not you want a steeply pitched roof (for example, if you live in an area prone to high winds)

  • Can I Use The Spans In Trusses For Storage?

    Yes, you can use the spans in trusses for storage. However, we would recommend that you use a timber roof truss that has been designed specifically to store goods.

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