Understanding The Parts of an Oak Truss
Every part of an oak truss has a name. Here are the key components that make up our oak trusses and the role they play.
Tie Beam
Truss Tie Beam
The tie beam sometimes referred to as the bottom chord, is the large oak beam running horizontally at the bottom of the truss. Resting on top of walls, it spans the distance of the room and supports other sections of the oak truss above it.
Our online designer allows for adjustment of the tie beam span according to the required width between two walls. Also, the width and height of the tie beam are adaptable to suit.
We've produced plenty of trusses in a range of designs, some include a curved tie beam which offers a very unique and interesting aesthetic.
Shaped King Post / King Post / Curved Queen Post
Truss King Post
The King Post is the vertical beam in the centre of the tie beam running towards the top of the truss. This post serves to add strength to the oak truss.
Whilst our designer allows for three unique designs, we can create almost any design. The king post is a standard straight vertical beam. Whereas, a shaped king post tapers towards the top and bottom of the beam.
Advised for wider trusses, queen posts use two vertical beams instead of the one on a king post. Because of the extra beam, queen post designs can span lengthier openings.
Rafters
Truss Rafters
The rafters are the angled beams that run parallel to the roof. Principal Rafters extend from the end of the tie beam to the peak of the oak truss.
Our 3D designer allows users to specify where the rafter meets the tie beam and the roof pitch angle to match the gable gradient. Rafters are fundamental to the structural integrity of an oak truss.
Braces
Truss Braces
Braces support the truss and reinforce the rafters. With an angled connection to the rafters, braces either join at the king post or tie beam. Depending on the size of the oak truss, braces aren't a necessity.
Even when they're not a structural requirement, many customers want them for aesthetic purposes. The striking inclusion of braces offers yet another dimension to an oak truss.
Whether the oak bracing has curvature or straight depends on customer preference. Bracing shape and size are adjustable on the online designer.
Ridge Beams
Truss Ridge Beam
The ridge beam is the horizontal structural beam that the truss rafters connect to at the apex of the roof. This beam typically runs along the length of the ceiling and offers support to the overall structure aswell as an anchor point for the rafters.
Using the designer you can specify the length and dimensions of the ridge beam to suit your roofing structure. If you intend to add multiple trusses, the length of the ridge beam will set the end points of the complete roofing structure and additional trusses will be spread evenly between them.
Purlins
Truss Purlins
Purlins are additional horizontal beams the run parallel to the ridge beam along the top of your trusses. These are to provide support for the roofing material and help distribute the load evenly which enhances strength and stability of the full structure.
Use the Purlin settings to select dimensions and quantity required up to a maximum of two pairs.
Combining Roofing Elements
Trusses connected
Combining the Ridge beam, Purlins and multiple trusses you can design the entire roofing structure of your building. Modify the length and spread of the oak trusses to your exact requirements and watch as it takes form in the online designer.
You can choose between 1 set or two sets of purlins depending on the project, alongside any additional trusses you'd like between your main trusses.
Trusses are an age-old engineering wonder. They’ve reinforced Egyptian boats dating back to 1250 BCE and continue to be prevalent in today's structural wonders. For more information on the mechanics of trusses, refer to the Wikipedia Truss Page.
Wikipedia's Truss Page.