For those not in the industry, it might come as a surprise that there are loads of different roof truss designs. Most would assume that there’s one generic truss shape that’s a “one size fits all solution” – but there isn’t.

For your information, there are numerous families of truss designs that have individual layouts within them. So, whether you’re looking for something a little bit fancy, practical, or just bog-standard, there is a very specific design of truss just for you.

Since we design bespoke trusses for each project, and work closely with architects through the entire process, from design and manufacturing to the final truss erecting phase, we have our favourite designs.

Here are our top three truss-family designs you should consider for your home.

Duo-pitch / Mono / Attic Trusses
It’s a bit of a mouthful, but the above is one family of trusses. This is your entry-level truss family, and one where you’ll find the Fink Truss, which is most commonly used in residential construction. To be more precise a Fink, or even a Double Fink Truss, is part of the sub-genre of the Duopitch Truss, meaning there are two top rafter lengths divided by an apex join. Alternatively, you could have two pitches in two different directions.

A monopitch truss has a single slope. Think of cutting a Duopitch in half, and this is what you get – with a 90-degree angle. There are loads of varietals in this sub-genre of truss, with some being used strictly for internal support, and others having a wide span of up to 30 metres. How you use it is heavily dependent on your main objective for this truss.

Then finally, we have the Attic Truss. As the expression goes, “it does exactly what it says on the tin”. This type of truss is designed so there is more space in the roof. If you’re planning on perhaps going up an additional floor in the future, it might be wise to go with this option. Be warned, as this truss will cause a higher pitch to the roof.

Asymmetric Trusses
A basic definition of this family of trusses is that it has two different lengths of pitches and top chords. This gives it a slanted roof profile. Perfect for roofs that need to be low to avoid blocking a view, think, a holiday home at the beachfront where the neighbours won’t want their view impeded.

Non-Standard Trusses
As the family name suggests, these aren’t your usual builds. In this family, you can expect to find firstly, a Sloping Flat Truss, which is normally used in vaulted ceilings.

Secondly you’ll find the Polynesian Truss, which looks like a medieval helmet, this is technically made up of four top chords and four joints. These are great for creating an interesting profile against the skyline.

And finally there is also a Stub Truss, which is a truss designed to keep the original profile, but shortens the span, with 90-degree end/s. This makes it a perfect fit for construction projects with limited space between boundary walls.

There are loads more trusses to read up about, and you can view them on our website. If you need additional information feel free to drop us a mail