A roof truss calculator is a useful tool that helps estimate the length of the rafter and how many trusses are needed for your roof. In addition, the roof truss design calculator helps designers determine other details, including dimensions and basic principles of construction.
Each calculation that will be made in the calculator will differ from the other because the dimensions of the different roofs will be unique from one another. And the calculation will be based on the dimensions of the roof for which the calculation has been made.
The rake length can be calculated by span, overhang, and pitch measurements.
- Span: It is the numerical distance between the two exterior walls, and it is also based on the total footprints of the house.
- Overhang: It is that part of the roof that extends even beyond the exterior walls of the room. So we need to measure that extended part.
- Pitch: It is the inclination of the roof, which will be numerically expressed as a fraction. The pitch over a triangle is the rise over the run.
Truss calculator: What are the types of roof trusses available?
The types of roof trusses affect the construction of your house, so you have to be clever enough to choose the right one for your house because this is the shelter you are talking about. Here we have discussed the 4 most common types of roof trusses that are available though there are many other alternatives out there.
- Fink Roof Truss: The very first option is the Fink Roof truss, which is one of the best because of its advantages. It can be built fast, even sometimes in a day. Moreover, it will have a low weight. Also, this kind of roof-making is a lot cheaper than the other options.
- Attic Truss: Here comes the second option, which is a really expensive option. One advantage of this kind of roof is that it has a space where it will be easier for you to store things.
- Traditional cut roof: This is a kind of roof that is used especially for complex roof shapes. And this roof type will make the construction easier.
- Panelized roofing: It is made of large sheets that are already insulated and are then laid across the beams. It is also the best kind of roof for simply shaken roofs. Even because of this reason that is because of this simplicity, installation cost reduces. But the only disadvantage is that the materials used are expensive.
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See also about Roofing sheets
Precision truss calculator for engineers and contractors: Process to calculate rafter length
The roof truss can be calculated using either of the two slightly different sets of variables. Usually, that is the rise of the roof or the pitch. The formula to calculate the rafter length is the same as the formula which is used to describe the right angles triangle.
We have given the two formulae as follows:
- The calculation based on roof rise:
rise² + run² = rafter length²
Which implies,
rafter length = √(rise² + run²).
- The calculation based on roof pitch:
Here we have to first calculate the roof rise by using the pitch. Now, we have to know the formula to find out the roof rise for the pitch.
rise / run = pitch,
which implies,
rise = run * pitch.
Now merge the two equations we get,
rafter length² = (run × pitch)² + run²
rafter length = √((run × pitch)² + run²)
rafter length = run × √(pitch² + 1)
know about: calculate estimate
DIY truss calculator for home renovations and building
There are also some other calculations that we should know when we are going through the construction of a house with a perfect roof. And one of them includes the truss count. The formula for the same is:
truss count = ((roof length × 12)/24) + 1,
rounded up to the closest integer; for example: if the answer is 19.8, you need to get 20 trusses.
Truss calculator: The process by which we can calculate the roof truss cost
We are not only concentrating on the rafting length calculation but also need to know how expensive the project would be to understand whether we can afford the project or not. To calculate the same, here are the formulas:
- Installation costs included:
total cost = total truss × price of one truss + cost of unit time of work × duration of work
- Installation costs excluded:
total cost = total truss × price of one truss
So now you will be able to start the project knowing even the little things about it so that you will not get cheated.
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Truss calculator: How to use it?
Now there are two ways we can use a roof truss calculator. The two applications are either by calculating rafter length or truss count.
If you choose the rafter length, you have to decide between selecting the pitch of the roof, which is the slope that the rafter makes or the rise of the roof, which is the height. When you are done choosing, you can use either of them to have your calculations.
If you have picked the rise, input its value, add the roof’s run, and the calculator will give you the length of the rafter. If you go with the roof pitch for the calculations, input the run of the roof and the pitch to get the length of the rafter.
In both cases, the calculator will work both ways; that is, if you have put inputs like rafter length, you will get back rise, run or roof pitch ( in angle, percentage, or ratio) depending on the variables you have chosen.
Online Truss calculator for roof and bridge design
You have an array of online truss calculator for roof and bridge design available online for free using. So, in any online truss calculator for roof and bridge design, enter bridge properties like height, length, area, joints and select on create tuss structure.
FAQs
Who uses a truss calculator?
People who build their roofs or other professionals like builders, promoters, or contractors need to calculate the roof truss to know about the fittings and trusses needed. They are the main users of this type of calculator.
What are the types of drawings one gets while using the truss?
The drawings include the following points. Distance between your racks. Length of your truss with the length of the overhang. Length of your truss without the length of the overhang. Length of your overhang. Height of your truss.
How does this calculator work?
The work is divided into 3 sections. Firstly, we need to put the input measurements so that we can get the resulting value. Second is where we are shown each roof truss part and their names. Lastly, the resulting drawing shows us the resulting dimensions of the truss part according to the inputs we have given to the calculator.
