Everything You Need to Know About Metal Building Truss

“Sturdy walls of a steel building can handle harsh weather conditions.” You may have heard this several times, but have you ever thought about what makes it so powerful? It’s not only the steel’s texture and nature; there is something more – it’s called a truss. It’s the real hero who often goes unnoticed. Trusses in a prefab building keep everything standing tall. They support weight and bracing against wind, and even shape the overall look of the structure.

Whether you are planning a steel garage, barn, workshop, or commercial space, or even a simple structure like a carport, understanding trusses is not optional – it’s essential. A well-chosen truss can make the difference between a structure that lasts for decades and one that struggles against the test of time and weather. So, let’s know everything about different types of steel building trusses in the space below.

What Is a Metal Building Truss?

A metal building truss is a framework of steel components that supports the roof and distributes weight evenly across the structure. It replaces traditional wooden rafters with engineered steel members, forming strong triangular patterns that resist bending or buckling. Rafters rely on heavy beams, while trusses utilize geometry and engineering to provide maximum strength with less material. They are designed to withstand snow loads, wind pressure, and roof weight while maintaining the structural stability and safety of the building.

Key Components of a Metal Truss
To truly understand trusses, let’s break down their parts:

• Top Chord: The uppermost beam that carries the roof load.
• Bottom Chord: Runs horizontally and acts like a tension cable, holding everything together.
• Web Members: Diagonal or vertical supports that connect the top and bottom chords, creating triangular frameworks.
• Gusset Plates: Flat steel plates that join all the members securely at nodes.
• Joints (Bolted or Welded): These decide how the structure holds under pressure. Bolted joints are easier to inspect, while welded ones give a cleaner finish.

When all these components work together, they create a structure that is strong and durable.

Benefits of Using Trusses in a Steel Building Installation

Trusses are used in a prefab structure for several reasons. They make a structure capable of offering countless benefits to the building owner. Here are some key advantages.

1. Exceptional Strength and Stability

Steel trusses are built to handle heavy loads and extreme weather without bending or breaking. As you know, wood can warp or crack over time; steel keeps its shape and strength for decades. The triangular engineering of a truss spreads weight evenly across the structure. Whether it’s the weight of the roof, snow accumulation, or strong wind pressure, the load is distributed efficiently to the walls and foundation. This makes the entire building more stable and less prone to sagging or structural stress. For large span steel buildings, this strength allows you to build wider, taller, and more open spaces without needing interior support beams. This way, you can maximize your usable floor space.

2. Long-Term Durability with Low Maintenance

Steel trusses are made from galvanized steel, which naturally resists rust, termites, rot, and pests. They don’t absorb moisture like wood, meaning you will not have to deal with mold, mildew, or warping after a few rainy seasons. This durability translates to fewer repairs and replacements throughout the building’s lifespan. You don’t have to repaint or replace damaged beams frequently, which saves both time and money. Whether the building is in a humid coastal zone or a snowy region, steel trusses stand firm with minimal upkeep. Moreover, they are one of the factors that affect the lifespan of a prefab garage standing outside of your main house.

3. Design Flexibility and Wide Span Capability

One of the biggest advantages of steel trusses is their flexibility in accommodating various architectural styles and building sizes. Whether you want a classic pitched roof or a clean flat look, trusses can be engineered to match your exact vision.

Their ability to span wide distances without interior columns makes them perfect for:

• Clear-span agricultural barns
• Commercial warehouses
• Residential garages with open interiors
• Horse arenas and workshops

This flexibility allows builders and owners to design functional and aesthetic spaces without being restricted by traditional framing methods.

4. Cost-Effectiveness Over Time

While steel trusses may cost a little more upfront than wood, the total cost over time is usually much lower. You can save more over time with pre-engineered structures than with wooden buildings.
Here’s why:

• Fewer repairs mean lower maintenance bills.
• Long lifespan eliminates frequent replacements.
• Faster installation saves labor costs.
• Energy efficiency improves when paired with proper insulation.

Because steel trusses don’t deteriorate quickly, you can invest in a structure that stays reliable for decades. It’s a smart choice for anyone thinking long-term, especially farmers, business owners, or homeowners who want to avoid constant upkeep costs.

5. Fire Resistance and Enhanced Safety

As we all know that wood catches fire quicker than steel, it can burn down your entire building. Trusses provide an extra layer of safety, especially in barns, storage buildings, or workshops where flammable materials may be present. In case of a nearby fire, steel trusses will not fuel the flames, giving you more time to respond and reducing damage to the structure. They also handle environmental challenges, such as heavy winds, snow loads, or seismic activity, better than most materials. That’s why steel trusses are often used in regions prone to hurricanes, storms, or heavy snowfall.

Types of Trusses Used in Metal Buildings

Different buildings need different trusses. Here’s a detailed look at the most common trusses widely used in metal building construction.

Flat Truss

Flat trusses are perfect for low-pitch roofs and modern-looking structures. Flat trusses give a clean, minimal profile and are often used in commercial buildings or garages where both aesthetics and functionality are crucial. Flat trusses are used in custom regular roof buildings.

It is because regular roofs have a rounded or curved edge design, which gives them that classic look. These structures typically feature a simple, low-slope roofline, making flat or low-pitched trusses ideal.

Pitched Truss

A pitched truss has a sloped top chord that looks like a triangular structure. It allows water and snow to slide off easily. This feature makes it ideal for steel garages, barns, and other structures. It is widely used to construct a boxed eave roof because it has a more defined slope than regular roofs. This is why pitched trusses are perfect here; their triangular shape allows rain and light snow to flow off while maintaining that neat, horizontal eave line.

Scissor Truss

If you love vaulted ceilings, this is the one. The bottom chord is sloped, creating more headroom inside without increasing the overall building height. Many vertical barns use them for extra interior height. These structures are engineered for maximum strength and longevity. Their roof panels run vertically from the ridge to the eave, and they require strong trusses to support purlins and the added structural reinforcement.

Scissor trusses give the roof a higher slope, so rain, snow, and debris slide off quickly. They are sometimes used when owners want more interior headroom without increasing the overall building height.

Bowstring Truss

Known for its curved top chord, this truss is used in large clear-span buildings like aircraft hangars or warehouses. It allows for wide spaces without interior columns, making the interior fully open and functional. The arched shape evenly distributes loads, reducing stress on any single point. This design is ideal for structures that need tall clearance and uninterrupted floor space, such as sports arenas or large agricultural steel barns. It’s also visually striking, giving buildings a distinctive architectural look.

Pratt & Warren Trusses

These are popular in industrial setups. Pratt trusses utilize diagonal members to efficiently handle tension, making them reliable for supporting heavy roofs or mezzanines. Warren trusses form alternating triangles to distribute loads evenly. It minimizes material usage while maintaining strength. Many factory and warehouse owners choose them because durability and load management are top priorities for them. Their predictable stress distribution also simplifies engineering calculations, speeding up construction timelines.

Standard Truss Width Options

Steel buildings come in various widths, and truss types are customized accordingly. Here are some popular truss width categories:

• 26′ – 30’ Wide Truss Regular: It is ideal for standard garages or medium barns. A custom regular roof structure with rounded edges helps keep costs low.
• 26’ – 30’ Wide Truss Vertical/Boxed Eave: It’s a more refined finish with better water drainage. So, if you live in an area with heavy rainfall, this width of trusses will work well.
• 26’ – 30’ Wide Box Regular: It combines affordability with easy installation for smaller setups.
• 26’ – 30’ Wide Bow Regular/Boxed Eave: This type of truss features a bow-shaped design for added strength and better snow shedding.
• 32’ – 40′ Wide Truss: Perfect for workshops, mid-sized warehouses, and bigger barns that need more open interior space.
• 42’ – 50’ Wide Truss: It’s used for commercial metal buildings or large agricultural barns that demand stronger support and wide clear spans.
• 52’ – 60’ Wide Truss: This size of truss is widely used for the heavy-duty category. These are typically used in industrial applications, storage units, or large farm setups.

Choosing the right truss width ensures proper weight distribution and keeps your building stable in every season.

Truss Spacing and Sizing: Why It Matters

Truss spacing isn’t random. It directly affects cost, strength, and functionality.

• Closer spacing gives more roof support but increases material and labor costs.
• Wider spacing lowers upfront costs but may need heavier trusses to handle the load.

Typical spacing ranges from 4 to 10 feet, depending on roof type, building size, and location. For example, a large commercial warehouse may need fewer but heavier trusses spaced widely, while a small barn may use lighter trusses closer together.

How Material Quality and Coating Matter for Trusses?

Steel trusses are usually made from galvanized steel to resist rust and corrosion. Some may also be powder-coated or painted for added protection.

Why it matters:

• Galvanization extends the life of structures, especially in humid or coastal areas.
• High-quality steel keeps the structure stable for decades.
• Good coatings reduce maintenance costs and preserve aesthetics.

Always check the steel grade and coating type before buying; it’s a long-term investment.

Installation Best Practices for Metal Trusses

A strong truss becomes a real hero of a structure when it is installed correctly. Often, novice workers make mistakes during installation, which affects the structural integrity of the space. Here are some best installation practices for metal trusses.

• Prepare the site with level foundations and proper anchoring.
• Align trusses correctly to avoid uneven weight distribution.
• Secure all joints with appropriate bolts or welds.
• Use experienced installers to ensure accuracy.

How Trusses Affect Metal Building Cost

Only the size and features of a building are not responsible for the final cost of a steel structure; trusses also play a significant role. Here are some factors that affect the price of truss installation.

• Type of truss: Bowstring and custom trusses are more expensive than flat or regular-pitched trusses.
• Width and spacing: Wider spans require stronger and pricier trusses.
• Coating: Galvanized or powder-coated trusses cost more but last longer.
• Labor: Skilled installation adds to the cost but ensures safety.

Maintenance and Inspection Tips for Trusses

Trusses don’t demand daily care, but regular checks keep them strong. With some maintenance tips, you can keep them in good condition for a long time. Inspect for rust, loose bolts, or bent members annually. Keep them clean to avoid moisture buildup. Moreover, tighten bolts and fix coatings when needed. A little attention each year can add decades to your building’s life. If you don’t have time for regular maintenance, buy a metal building from a dealer that offers a warranty. You can contact experts at [Phone Number] to know which structures come under warranty. This way, you can be free from major repairs and replacements in the building for quite a long time.

Secure Your Steel Building Now With Strength and Style

Whether you are building a small barn or a large commercial structure, trusses decide the strength, shape, and longevity of your metal building. By understanding the types, sizes, spacing, and materials, you can make more informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes. But before you finalize, find the best metal building dealer who can offer the best quality solutions.

At Viking Steel Structures, you can end your search, as it is known for offering prefab buildings with sturdy steel components. We use the correct trusses and anchors to create a structure that is truly strong and durable. Our team carefully considers your specifications before installation, ensuring the project is completed impeccably. So, take a tour of our website and explore our sturdy spaces.