How Long Do Roof Trusses Last?

Roof trusses are one of the most economical and longest-lasting methods available for residential construction projects.  In most cases, Roof Truss Manufacturers in San Diego can craft roof trusses that will last for decades.  Here is a closer look at why roof trusses are so durable, the things that can cause them to fail, and how to ensure that your roof trusses last as long as you live in your home.

 Roof Truss Facts:  Strength and Stability

Wooden Roof Trusses are some of the longest-lasting and most durable construction items on a typical home.  Quality wooden trusses used in today’s home construction are likely to last as long as 50 years with proper care and maintenance, provided that they are not structurally damaged.  Even when a roof must be replaced, it is unusual to have to replace the trusses themselves.  Normally, replacing the outer layer, whether shingles or some other material, or at most the sheathing beneath is enough to keep a roof robust and strong for years to come.

Roof trusses are so strong because they are built to sustain enormous amounts of stress and pressure.  The structure of trusses, with their various members at different angles, deflect the force put upon them from above and support the weight of the roof, even during sudden changes in pressure or temperature.  Roof trusses can hold up incredible amounts of weight for their size, making them a favorite method of roofing for both commercial and residential applications.

 What Makes Roof Trusses Fail?

 It is actually not easy to make a roof truss fail once it is built and installed correctly.  However, there are a few things that can damage roof trusses and cause them to lose their integrity.  These include:

 

●       Damage from natural disasters.  A terrible storm or earthquake may have the power to compromise the structural integrity of a building, including the roof.  After a flood, tornado, landslide or earthquake, it is important to have a roof inspected by a professional to ensure that the trusses are still sound.

●       Damage from fire.  Even if a fire does not burn a building down completely, it can cause structural faults or failures in places like attic spaces.  These failures may not be immediately evident, so it is important to have a thorough inspection of a home done after a fire, even one that seems relatively minor.

●       Damage from renovation or repair.  In some cases, intended renovation or repair could compromise the structural integrity of a truss.  This might happen if someone cut through a truss member accidentally or incorrectly joined another load-bearing member to a truss structure.  It is important to always have renovations done by qualified builders to avoid this problem.

●       Damage from insects.  Because trusses are made of wood, termite or carpenter ant damage is a possibility if the wood is not treated properly and treatments maintained regularly.  All homes should have yearly inspections to ensure that no insect damage is present.

Other than damage from natural disasters, fires, poor repairs and insects, it is very difficult to damage a truss!

As a leading roof truss company in San Diego, Stone Truss has been working with builders for decades to provide quality roofing and flooring truss products.  We pride ourselves on our reputation as one of the most important truss manufacturers in San Diego, and we will work hard to gain your business!  Call Stone Truss, premier wood truss manufacturers in San Diego, today, to learn how we can help you save money and build quality homes and businesses with our products.