Tuesday, July 21, 2015

The Merits Of A Timber Frame Truss Over A Steel Truss

By April Briggs


Builders and constructors will tell you that it is highly advantageous to use timber for roofing purposes rather than steel. Most of the advantages that are highly advertised for steel are by steel production companies looking to maximize their sales. Looking at the benefits of the timber frame truss will let you judge for yourself which among the two is better. Wood framing companies hardly advertise their products because they sell themselves. Steel is only advocated for in high commercial areas, manufacturing plants and large halls.

Wood does not rust. This is one of the greatest merits for using it in making of these roofing construction materials. Moisture is an enemy to both wood and steel. Although the steel material is normally galvanized in order to protect it, the frames are susceptible to corrosion at the points where they are scratched or cut. If timber is used correctly with the developers adhering to all the building standards, properly treated wood can last you for over 100 years.

Wood is considered as a great thermal insulator. It is approximately 400 times better than steel when it comes to thermal insulation. It is also better than concrete by far. Due to its great thermal mass properties, the wood can absorb heat during the day from the sunlight heating up the roof. It then releases this heat at night when it is cold.

Timber framing is very easy and adaptable as many builders have suggested. When it comes to the setting up or erection of these structures, many builders are of the opinion that wood frames have ease in erection. They state that it is also quicker to carry it out that when using the steel material.

Wood is also easily flexible in terms of modifying it into new shapes and cutting it into smaller pieces. This helps a great deal in developing new designs, creating a uniform layout and adjusting the roof to fit different sections of the building. Steel is also difficult to use because you cannot nail it like wood but rather you have to screw it with nuts.

Wood is likewise favored on the grounds that it cannot conduct electric power. It is normally an electrical insulator and thus becomes live and conducts electric current when presented to one. Then again, steel is a decent transmitter and will accordingly posture risk in case that it comes in contact with some electric current.

Wood is also one of the renewable materials. Unlike steel which has to be constructed, wood can be obtained from the many trees available. Wood also helps absorb Carbon IV oxide from the atmosphere. On the other hand, the steel truss frames release this gas into the atmosphere.

The steel trusses are also relatively expensive as compared to wood ones. This is because the production of steel is very costly and the costs are transferred to the buyer. All in all, having a wooden roof is highly advantageous.




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