Nearly all roofs are framed using one of two methods: standard “stick” framing or newer “truss” framing.

Stick-framed roofs (shown at right) utilize individual rafters that span from the top of exterior walls to the ridge.

Truss-framed roofs (shown below) are built from triangular-shaped, pre-made truss units.

Gable and hip roofs may be built primarily of trusses; other roof shapes, particularly those with dormers or on houses with cathedral ceilings, attic rooms, or attic storage areas are stick built. Stick framing creates a triangle between rafters and ceiling joists. A collar beam adds strength at the middle.

Like wall studs and floor joists, rafters and trusses are spaced every 16 or 24 inches from center to center. Most roofs utilize 16-inch spacings for strength and rigidity. Rafters are usually positioned directly above wall studs.

A truss is one contiguous double rafter/ceiling joist unit. Truss construction is just as strong but is lighter weight and uses smaller sizes of lumber than stick framing.

Because trusses are carefully engineered units that shouldn’t be cut, they are not a good choice for roofs that may be modified at a later date. And because they have several intermediate support members, they don’t allow for use of the attic space.

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