If a building has an overlying space or attic with hidden framing or non-decorative trusses that support the roof or additional building floors, then the timber truss SWC supplies may be purely Decorative. This is a less demanding application and may permit use of materials with less strength, more decorative shapes, smaller members, less fasteners and other features. Because of their physical make-up, all timber trusses are at least slightly structural. Engineering certification of a Decorative truss can be required, but typically is not needed.
Should the timber trusses be integral to support of the roof or overlying structure, then the trusses are also Structural. The trusses may provide direct support of the roof via purlins and/or ceiling decking, or the trusses may support a ridge beam to which rafters and other roofing components are anchored. The Structural timber truss requires engineering certification by the customer or SWC. We provide this service if required. The customer only needs to provide building plans or sufficient detail regarding the roof configuration for our engineer to make roof load assumptions.
