As a 29 year firefighter I absolutely hate trusses. In a fire event, when a 1/4" on each side of the wood is charred, the wood still has plenty of strength, BUT the nail plates simply fall off, causing the roof to collapse. There are plenty of videos where truss roofs collapse within 15 minutes of the fire start. That's why many fire departments don't even attempt an interior attack, which is the most effective, but rather go defensive from the outside, which then often leads to a total loss. Calculate that against the $7k savings.

I want to build three different sheds, one is already set up. I am pleased to find all the kzfaq.infoUgkxGZedDTcDfgD7fG_uU4esfx_EgxzlY2_1 plans and designs for the three sheds included in Ryan's shed plans And how very easy they all are to set up following the detailed instructions on the manual and DVDs. This is simply fantastic!

The manufactured trusses can be engineered to have plenty of attic space. The cost savings is worth it by itself. As Matt said at the end, that money can be used in a different part of the house to upgrade insulation, better windows, larger island, etc in a part of the house that you'll spend a lot more time in.

Regular roof framing is worth the cost. The usable space is worth it. Never met a homeowner that built a house that complained about too much room.

I design these systems in the Midwest. Clear spanning large open areas is one of the major benefits you've missed out on in this video. Plus we design top down for the best value engineering. Having proper load transfer from top to bottom is another great benefit to truss systems. Glad you did a video, maybe visit a plant sometime, I can set up some tours if you need it. 😉

Great comparison. As a builder in the north, we use trussed roof systems about 90% of the time. If we hand stack a roof, it's usually because we either need the ceiling to match the roof pitch, such as the 12/12 A-frame style we're currently on, or some other restrictions. For us, it really is a matter of time savings on the job site, but the ability to clear span large spaces is very benificial. However, make no mistake, just because you're using trusses, doesn't mean just anyone can do the job. Simple, gable style roofs are easy, but just like hand stacked roofs, things get tricky when you start building in hips and valleys. And, a quality product (home) starts with the foundation and walls below. If they aren't square, plumb and straight, you're going to struggle with the roof. Trusses and hand stacking are both great and should be used in appropriate situations.

Great video. The houses I built for myself and my family I always what we called it back in the day stick built. Nothing wrong with today’s engineer roof trusses I just didn’t want them on my house. I did use engineered floor joists. Also I used a framing crew that was older guys. Took a little longer but they new what to do and how to do it. I live in a coastal hurricane area. It’s just my opinion but with all the strapping it’s just stronger to me.

Japan we hand calculate and cut all roofs, roads are to small to transport, we do make our own trusses if the transport road is clear.

1-2 weeks leadtime!!! amazing! -- In South Florida we were out 3-4 weeks pre-pandemic, looking at 16 to 24 weeks depending in the area now. Love this channel!!

Framers not needing as much experience is a pro and a con. I'm drywalling a house right now that the framing crew clearly didn't have much experience, and they've screwed up in ways I didn't think possible with trusses. There's a big vaulted ceiling that joins a flat ceiling, and the lines are definitely not straight. I still haven't figured out how I'm going to fix it. Of course when it doesn't look good nobody thinks it is the fault of the framer, is just the drywall guy must suck. I'll bet there's not a square corner anywhere in the house. All the exterior wall headers are leaning out at the tops, and not by an 1/8 or 1/4, I'm taking at least a half inch. Walls are out of plumb by a half inch in four feet. I could go on and on. Cheaper and faster does not equal better.

Many people commented that you didn't mention one OBVIOUS advantage to trusses and that is the ability to have long clear spans,

Thanks for the free education as always. Watched tons of your videos- subscribed, the whole lot.

Great tips with storage, thank you Matt and team.

Yup (former firefighter here), those metal connections would fail early. Compared to rafters, truss roofs are death traps and we would avoid getting on the roof and efforts/decisions to enter a home for a rescue are affected by the likelihood of a structure to fail. Thank you for the video.

Back in the late '60's early'70'S.......pre-built/ordered trusses was a new big thing. My father built a specialty custom home with a SLATE ROOF, with high pitch and many hips and valleys. He DOUBLE ordered all trusses/ +1 for gable ends/ 2×6 truss. On site he DOUBLED UP (2 put togeater as one) placed in a jig and adhesived and staggered screwed each togeather....and placed them 12" on center. Back then TECO's was not really a thing, so each doublet was strapped and nailed to the plate. 5/8" 5 ply sheathing and Back then we only had heavy tar felt. THAT SLATE andCopper valley roof ridge is still straight as an arrow and proud to be seen 50+ years old now.

I just waited 9 months for trusses from our local truss plant, building is crazy in Florida and they require a lot of extras for hurricane wind load and up lift. If my plans weren’t already engineered I would’ve conventional hand framed it and would’ve been done with the house by now.

I’m currently framing house with 12/12 and 10/12 trusses. Lots of fun tying in the multiple roof systems

This was a good show!!!

💯Thank Tou Matt

Seems like if the cost savings is from producing them in a factory then just installing them onsite you could have a traditional roof prefabbed and delivered in nearly the same way. That way you still get an attic with your house.

City required a preman roof truss system on my home build myself structure and actually was a good thing. Saved me a lot of time and in FL using the beefiest hurricane clips that are u shaped I just set each truss self standing into clips...Everything I did I beefed up well beyond minimum codes from foundation to 16"oc, to complete hardi exterior...

Enjoyed the video. Of course one of the other advantages to a truss system is you can span greater distances and there's no need for a center beam. Much more flexible. Separately, don't worry about lead times; the real estate crash is well underway, and demand will fall off a cliff if it hasn't already.

I picked out roof truss in the attic style and it turned out amazing. I has almost the same space as Matts attic.

Matt, I jumped on the notification for this because I am currently looking at learning more about truss roofs. However, I was looking for info on truss roofs when wanting to add an attic space to a garage. Could you touch on how much extra load or what sorts of modifications can be done to a truss roof above a garage when waning to add an attic/crawl space? In my situation, it's 24" center, off center peak. The previous owner added a Warner fold down ladder and laid 1/2" ply down all over. We keep light stuff up there. I have been looking at how I might bolster so I can increase the load. I have thought to add an H beam down the middle with a post or H-beam span the width and run 2x10 under the truss to bolster a section.

Need context to define what $7k savings is... 10 - 7 is way different than 100 - 7 ...but we never heard a total for either roof system. Maybe you can do an actual cost comparison of various COMPLETED roof systems in a future vid, to include SIPS, ICF deck, vented double decking, ridge vent, full closed cell, 1" closed cell w/batt, batt only, tar shingle, clay tile, metal tile, standing seam... various combos? A vid like that'd be 99% research & scripted, with charts. Bit different than the norm for this channel, & extremely helpful.

Excellent video. Thank you. Why no reflective back roof sheathing in the hot Texas climate?

Question for all you professional builders...who typically installs the roof trusses? A traditional framer that does floors, walls, and sheathing? Or are there specific truss installers that are hired for this stage of the building process?

I appreciate the discussion of fire endurance that is not usually considered in much of these comparisons. We (FFs) have to be aware that any fire that breaches the inner passive protective elements in a modern building risks early structural collapse. There are unfinished basements without the certain and early knowledge that all occupants have escaped. Which means there are occupants and FFs that are in there. There is much less room for error. All framing options that rely more on connections vs more mass of wood is devastated much quicker in a fire. It really is math vs mass. Wood burns approximately 1” per hour. These truss connections that are galvanized steel fail much quicker (minutes) in a fire. Steel doesn’t burn but curls up and looses it’s strength and the little teeth pull out of the wood or a fraction of an inch of wood burns away from the connection. People also want large open floor spans and this compounds the problem. Large dimension lumber is at a premium. The full dimension lumber is less dependent on the connection and is more dependable for an occupant or FF. The quality of the structural connections is key to structural stability in a modern building once the fire breaches the passive fire protection (i.e. drywall). Fire endurance should not be discounted as a consideration and should be a higher priority. Remember the World Trade Center fell due to an out of control fire and steel trusses that gave way before the occupants including their rescuers could exit. The building was dependent on the sprinkler system that was knocked out. There was no effective steel protection left. This was the modern lightweight design.

Going to use BFS more now after this video! Thanks.

big challenge with truss roofs is how the ceiling pitch for sissor trusses is half the pitch of the roof pitch, so 12:12 roof pitch gives you 6:12 ceiling pitch for cathedral vault. people like their vaults steeper. so we generally stick frame focal cathedral vaults.

I'm a remodeler and haven't built more than additions or garages from scratch. Everything was traditionally built. But now that I'm in Florida, I've been told that trusses are 12-18 months out. If it's true, that's a HUGE difference.

Thanks a MILLION. (very soon!)

Would you ever build a truss for external walls and supportive walls? Would you ever put in a bold through the metal links on a truss.

My house is steel frame tri-story with 6 inch concrete poured floors. Surprised not more steel frame homes. Recyclable and actual true walls.

Is there traditional rafters/ridges/dormers pre cut and delivered like a pre cut ink jet framing package?

Went to BFS the other day in Austin for some 26 foot 2x 12. We made the trip because they said they had them. Paid for em and got to the yard, and they did not have any. Frustrating. It was for a garage ceiling, so we got TGI instead. My dad looking at hindsight, thinks he would have stickframed the roof of the house, and then got trusses for the garage.

Intern architect that just subscribed - "On the Build Show (Matt Voice)" :)

Matt, how do these compare with a SIPs roof? Especially with respect to the insulative properties that come built into the SIPs.

How would you isolate this from the inside? And how would you apply a vapor barrier screen?

Would’ve loved to do traditional rafters and get that extra space, but since we are building our house ourselves we went with trusses due to the time it saves us to install and the cost.

I feel like there could be a balance, the trusses with a useable void seems like a good option. Although I would wonder if moving the void out to the eaves makes the truss design easier since there’s less (additional void storage) load right in the center.

I truss this guy with my life

Matt have you installed any residential fire sprinklers?

What about standard roof framing using TJI joists? I know it is done, curious about what people think about it?

Random question Matt, not sure if you addressed this before and i missed it, but with how tight you are building houses, how do the houses pressure equalize if a tornado comes near by and causes a sudden pressure drop? I recall always being told to crack some windows in severe weather to allow it to equalize with causing explosive decompression thru the windows but not many people seem to do or know that these days. do you install some kind of spring loaded pressure blow off vents?

While Stainless Steel plates are available; those shown are Galvanized. The stacked chords under the mechanical area is also allowing for full insulation depth when a structure is conventionally insulated. IE not a conditioned attic. Trusses protect homeowners from a builder/framer that over or under sizes members to make things "easy" or save costs.

Option C: factory precut all stick frame members and label them. Same dummy labor force and you get a real attic.

Is it not possible to prefab trusses with larger interior space? I can understand the advantages of the internal cross supports, but is it not possible to engineer with open interior space or is it just that the cost savings would disappear? Or?

Should I get a lower framing bid when using roof trusses be stick framed roof in general? I’m sure there is nuance here but just as a yes or no.

Can you stick frame a 60x40? Without bearing walls?

Cool

How do these work w/ spray foam insulation? I know mechanically it's not an issue - it'll still stick just fine. But the insulation spraying access to all parts of the roof when having to go through the trusses must be very difficult, and hard to get to the edges effectively. I would think that would make for insulation issues at these spots.

He said the plates are stainless? That doesn't seem right. If water gets to them, the house has more problems than rusty truss plates... I've never seen stainless for these fasteners. Galvanized, maybe.

If you're building massive homes like this that 99% of us can't afford, trusses almost always make the most sense. Basic gable roof, rafters make the most sense.

What about insulation, air sealing? I recently had all my blown-in fiberglass insulation sucked out of my attic so I can get better air sealing of every penetration and wall ceiling connection. Then I had cellulose insulation blown back in to a R-50 here in Wisconsin. I also replaced a bathroom exhaust fan as part of the project (did it myself). I was cursing my trusses every minute I was up there. Also, I probably paid more to have the insulation removed because of the truss system. I wish I had cut roof system. My next house won’t have trusses. The cost savings up front isn’t worth it if you need to get back up in the attic.

I have my guys stick frame. They have the experience…trusses take 5-20 weeks to get here in NC

I am claustrophobic so cathedral ceiling is must, it's more work but I prefer I-Joist.

I live in a house that has traditional rafters that were reinforced into a truss at a later date.

In FL we are waiting 28-35 weeks for trusses… I almost died when he said 4 weeks lead times.

When you see PM written by a plate what's the abbreviation mean?

Matt, do you ever do any subterranean or earth-sheltered projects?

Can trusses be built with a "whole" in the middle? Maybe something to get the best of both worlds?

You guys illustrate the distinction between engineered trusses and hand-sawn rafters by suggesting that trusses must necessarily have little triangles everywhere but it seems to me that trusses can have as much open space as you'd like. That's what engineering is all about, is it not?

If that extra $7000 on a 3000 sq ft house nets you another 1500 sq ft of floor space (attic bonus room perhaps), that extra 1500 sq ft only cost $4.67 per sq ft.

It takes a crew of 3 2 days to cut , frame and sheath a roof like that, depending how complicated the initial setting of the ridge is

Matt lookin like earthworm Jim 😂

Problem is most young framers today can’t frame a stick roof , have no idea how to use a framing square

It seems to me that trusses result in a lower quality/less even structure more often than not. If there is bad lumber or tolerances there's not much that can be done in the field, resulting in greater chance for lumpy ceiling and roof planes. Trusses do have their advantages though.

Most my customers want trusses over hand stack to eliminate the structural engineering costs. Trusses are provided with engineering and my area the building dept. requires the roof engineered.

I think it is worth spending extra 7k for storage and future living possibilities.

Yes they won't go in truss houses on fire in my area. They know the neighborhoods

Wish it was two week lead time around here. Right now it's 8+ weeks.

Trim ,cabinets ,cmt block,shingles,windows ,concrete ,drywall,doors ,hardware,every stick of wood is built/mixed made off-site. Framing is assembly,of materials made off-site period.

Hello, just wondering if you ever heard of truss lift? The problem with the bottom of the truss lifting up during the the summer months then lowering back down during the winter months.

Cost savings for framing clearly a win, but expect difficulty for access for sealing and spray foaming under roof and inside attic gable walls for a “conditioned” attic. Ability to add plywood flooring to improve ability to move is nearly impossible. Ability to inspect quality of caulk and insulation much more difficult. Probably best used in unconditioned attics, I would think.

10 years ago, I was ‘always’ asked to design a “hand cut” roof…now, all my designs are default to roof-trusses. No questions asked anymore….

FYI the "time savings=cost savings" only holds true for the GC and SC. If you're having a house built, you ain't saving a thing.

I'd be curious to know if the 'savings' for these are actually passed on to the homeowners, or just to the homebuilder or contractor. My guess is that it isn't.

My personal preference would be for an ICF roof, but that would be rather difficult (not impossible) with a roof pitched to shed heavy snow loads (8:12 or steeper). I know the LiteDeck system is rated for up to a 7:12 pitch.

Plates are galvanized steel, stainless is a specialty product.

We all know Matt strongly prefers actual rafter roofs, he's only doing this video for the sponsorship smh

The main problem is that, as anyone in the UK knows, after about a month you gotta replace them with roof Sunaks.

Ask your local Fire Chief about trussed roofing? Trussed Roofs are death traps for Firemen when a building has a fire! Most trussed roofs collapse during extension of fire to attic or roof area. Ask you local Insurance underwriter about the cost of stick built roof vs trussed roof!

$7,000 seems like false economy considering you lose the square footage in your attic. Instead of maybe 1,000 sf of storage, you have a forest of lumber. Access is also hindered. Dislike crawling through trusses to add a light or fix some issue. All are benefits to the owner but a cost to the builder, so classic trade-off. Are there truss designs that are more open? Basically shop-built 2-by semi-modular construction.

We need an App for the build show network! Many of us watch on our smart tvs, not some small phone or computer screen!

Electrician here. I'd rather wire a stick built generally.

I can tell he grew up in the south with his 'Yes Sir's' its not a knock its a sign of respect I love about the south but it gets a little too much when he says it everytime he answers a question.

If money isn't an issue, traditional rafters using engineered lumber is the way to go.

If people knew who’s is out their these days Framing homes they would chose trusses every time especially in Texas so many areas are out of city limits and don’t require Inspections.

Trusses vs. rafters in a fire test: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/gNVljddzvbDNeKM.html Rafters win.

1:28 Why TF do people design or want jaunty houses like that? That's heinous.

As a firefighter I will be building my forever home with hand cut rafters . Yes I do understand the need for truss construction especially for build time and cost savings . To me the benefits of hand cut rafters out weigh the need of truss roofs. Being on a truck company during an attic fire especially on top of a truss roof construction vs hand cut rafter roofs during a fire is noticeably different. For me as a firefighter knowing your construction gives me an idea of time on a roof to work. We all know that truss plates on roofs will fail with heat/ fire. So now add a cement tile/ Mexican tile shingles plus firefighters with gear on top of a roof that’s been compromised due to heat/ fire can be sketchy. Truss roofs have their place in construction and at the end if it’s a custom home the owner should have the final say in the matter at least in my option.

Personally I hate roof truss systems.been doing heating and air conditioning/sheet metal mechanic for 33 years.we still hand make our duct work and run proper duct systems.roof truss is a maze of wood and sucks for all the subs.if I was the home owner I would rather have a large floored attic for storage. Some of these steep pitch roof truss waste so much usable space. It’s so sad that the skilled carpenters are far and few between.its the same way in sheet metal.know it’s just cheap flex systems with no skills

At 1:05 there are no joist hangers!! Why wouldn’t they do that?! They are just toenailed in!!

Trusses are becoming more common as the knowledge and talent required to build a hand cut roof retire. Saying that trusses are no waste is unrealistic. There’s waste. Just not on the job. Anything built in a factory is never as quality controlled as custom built. Saying trusses are a straighter, flatter roof is just a sales pitch or something someone who’s never actually installed them would say.

Not coastal but your in TORNADO alley

$7k savings doesn't tell me much. If going from $10k to $3k cost that is very substantial, but going from $1MM to $993,000 cost is rather insignificant. Both scenarios save $7k. Any idea how much the net savings are on a percentage basis?

"$7,000 on a house like this" like what? how much is that house? looks big.

As a firefighter we cringe at Truss roofs

I need a designer. My architect only wants to talk about materials and not about looking to give me what kid of living space I want.