Answer:
Trusses and rafters are both assembled ahead of being installed onto the roof. Trusses are assembled in a factory using pre-engineered structures and joints. ... Rafters contain two main outer beams which support the roof structure. On the other hand, trusses come with multiple beams which add more support.
As the trusses come with a web of triangles inside the main frame, they provide more support than the rafters.
Trusses and rafters are both assembled ahead of being installed onto the roof. Trusses are assembled in a factory using pre-engineered structures and joints. On the other hand, rafters are assembled at the construction site. As trusses are assembled in a factory, a lot of time can be saved.
When comparing the cost of rafters and trusses, the latter ones cost more. But when considering the labor cost of constructing the roof using other means, it is better to purchase the trusses even though the costs are a bit higher. This is because there is no need to assemble the structure again at the construction site as they have been already assembled at the factories. But as rafters have to be assembled at the construction site, they involve more labor costs.
Summary:
1. Though both rafters and trusses are triangles in shape, the trusses have more triangle webs inside the principle frame.
2. Trusses are assembled in a factory using pre-engineered structures and joints. On the other hand, rafters are assembled at the construction site.
3. When comparing the cost of rafters and trusses, the latter ones cost more. But when considering the labor cost of constructing the roof using other means, it is better to purchase the trusses even though the costs are a bit higher.
4. As rafters have to be assembled at the construction site, they involve more labor costs.
5. Rafters contain two main outer beams which support the roof structure. On the other hand, trusses come with multiple beams which add more support.
6. Trusses also add an aesthetic beauty to the roofs.