Choosing and spacing roof trusses correctly is essential for any new build or major remodel. At A to Z Supply, we field this question all the time: “How far apart should my roof trusses be?” Whether you’re a contractor or a homeowner in the Joplin area, here’s what you need to know about trusses and their placement.
What Is a Truss in Construction?
A truss is an engineered structural framework, most often assembled from wooden or metal members, that supports the load of a roof. Designed in interconnected triangles, trusses provide maximum strength with minimum material, distributing weight uniformly to keep buildings solid and stable for years. Trusses are custom-built for each structure to accommodate span length, roof pitch, snow load, wind resistance, and local building codes.
How Far Apart Are Roof Trusses?
The spacing of roof trusses depends on a few key factors—like what kind of roofing is installed, local building regulations, and the load requirements for your project.
-
Standard spacing is typically 24 inches on center (OC), meaning the center of one truss to the center of the next is 24 inches apart.
-
For heavier roofing materials (like clay or concrete tile), spacing may be reduced to 16 or 20 inches OC for extra support. For ultra-heavy slate, spacing could be as tight as 12 inches OC.
-
Pole barns and agricultural buildings allow for much wider truss spacing, ranging from 4 feetup to 12 or even 16 feet OC—depending on design and materials.
-
Always check with your local building codes and consult a truss expert for the right spacing on your specific build.
How Many Trusses Do I Need?
Figuring out how many trusses your roof needs is straightforward:
-
First, measure the length of your roof in feet.
-
Truss count = (roof length ÷ truss spacing) + 1. For a standard roof using 24-inch spacing. For example, a roof that’s 40 feet long with 2-foot (24-inch) spacing uses: (40 ÷ 2) + 1 = 21 trusses.
-
If your design requires different spacing, just replace the “2” with your custom spacing in feet.
-
Don’t forget to account for gable ends and any overhangs or irregularities.
Where to Buy Roof Trusses in Joplin, MO
A to Z Supply connects local contractors and DIY builders with top-quality truss systems. We offer:
-
Standard and custom roof trusses engineered for your specs
-
Delivery and expert advice on truss design and building code compliance
For personalized service and a wide product selection, A to Z Supply is your trusted local resource for more than just gutters—we deliver garage doors, windows, roofing, decking, fencing, lumber, and custom trusses!
Why Choose A to Z Supply?
Don’t let your next construction project stall over truss questions or material shortages. Our team at A to Z Supply is always ready to help with design advice, material selection, and fast delivery—so your build stays on schedule and up to code.
Ready to begin? Contact A to Z Supply today to discuss your truss needs or any other building supply requirements. Build smarter, from A to Z!