This is traced back to building codes and structural design standards.
How far apart are attic trusses.
With this design change roof trusses could be placed 12 feet apart making it possible for roofs to support the loads to which they would be subjected.
Shop and barn trusses typically are spaced around 4 on center but sometimes are spaced as far apart as 8 to 10.
These standards are as follows.
With traditional stick frame construction the trusses are usually spaced 2 feet apart.
Once you ve calculated the number of trusses you will need you should purchase the lumber.
The truss that is spaced 16 on center is usually designed lighter and handles less weight then the truss that is spaced every 2.
And more trusses usually equal more cost.
The same concept holds true for roof trusses.
So the space between rafters can be greater without reducing the maximum span.
The bay is the space within the truss and the longitudinal joining members are purlins.
Depending on the complexity of your free computational tool it may require you to enter details about rafter spacing usually 16 on center bridge type height and board size.
If purlins are laying flat on top of the truss 5 or 6 feet is the max on 2x4 s edge up can go to 12 feet or more.
Putting the trusses into place.
A 10 8 6 and 4 spacing between trusses has been the standard for most types of construction for years.
Their defense is our engineers will not allow us to.
Roof truss span tables alpine engineered products 15 top chord 2x4 2x6 2x6 2x4 2x6 2x6 2x4 2x6 2x6 2x4 2x6 2x6 bottom chord 2x4 2x4 2x6 2x4 2x4 2x6 2x4 2x4 2x6 2x4 2x4 2x6 2 12 24 24 33 27 27 37 31 31 43 33 33 46 2 5 12 29 29 39 33 33 45 37 38 52 39 40 55 3 12 34 34 46 37 39 53 40 44 60 43 46 64 3 5 12 39 39 53 41 44 61 44 50 65 47 52 70.
Typically pole barn style buildings in my area have bays distance between trusses of 5 feet to 12 depending on pitch insulation and height.
The trusses should be a little longer than the exact width to allow for overhang and you will need sufficient trusses to mount across the length.
These are typically spaced at certain intervals to provide the necessary support for the roof.
Common spacing for trusses on this type of building is often between 2 and 4 feet but trusses built with advanced designs may allow spacing as great as 8 or 12 feet.
Typical roof truss spacing means that they are usually about 24 inches from centre which means at the centre of one truss there will be a two foot gap or twenty four inch gap until the centre of the next truss.
It all comes down to engineering.
I ve had roof truss manufacturers try to convince me it is impossible to place wood trusses at spacings of over every 4 feet.
Most are spaced between 18 26 inches apart.