Steel vs Timber Trusses: Which One Should You Choose for Your Building
Rafters have for a long time been the standard choice for many people when it comes to roof support for their buildings. However, roof trusses have gained popularity over the recent past because of their many benefits. They are strong, quick to install and able to transfer all the weight to the exterior walls of the building. The transfer of weight is crucial because it relieves the load bearing from the building's interior walls, which enhances the structural integrity of your building. However, roof trusses come in a variety of styles as well as designs and it's imperative that you choose the right one for your building. One important decision you will have to make is whether to go for a steel or a timber roof truss. Below is a guide to help you choose wisely.
Cost
Cost is always an element of concern when it comes to choosing building materials. With timber roof trusses, the cost is one of their greatest selling points because they are generally cheaper than their steel counterparts. Therefore, whether you are on a budget or you simply want to save some money on your building materials, timber is the ideal choice for the roof truss.
Longevity
When choosing building materials, you will undoubtedly want something that will serve you for years. Steel roof trusses have an edge over their timber counterparts when it comes to longevity. Timber is a natural material, which makes it more susceptible to the elements than steel. Bowing and warping are some of the problems you may face with your timber roof trusses over time and this can often result in structural damages to other parts of the building. What's more, unless treated, timber is more susceptible to rotting or decay and infestation by pests such as termites. Also, in extreme or violent weather conditions and high winds, timber trusses are more likely to suffer significant damages than their steel counterparts. All these issues affect the longevity of timber trusses.
Energy Efficiency
Timber trusses tend to be more energy-efficient than their steel counterparts, a feature that can translate to significant savings in your monthly energy bills. Timber has excellent thermal properties than steel, which makes it more energy-efficient. Timber retains heat better than steel and the large cavities that timber roof trusses make it easy to insulate.
Fire Resistance
Fire resistance should be one of your top concerns when choosing building materials especially if you live in a bushfire-prone area. While some types of timber such as tallowwood, blackbutt and turpentine have fire retardant properties, steel tends to have a better fire resistance capacity.
For more information or assistance, contact local roof repairs experts.
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