A new guide describes how builders can increase the structural and energy performance of a home with a raised-heel truss construction system.
According to the publisher of the guide, APA – The Engineered Wood Association, building with raised-heel trusses results in savings for the builder and an energy-efficient, structurally superior residence for the homeowner. A raised-heel truss has a “heel” that extends up from the top of the wall and elevates the truss at the building’s edges. In other respects, it is identical to a conventional truss.
The guide says that raising the truss higher has two big advantages over typical truss construction: It simplifies attic ventilation, and it leaves ample room for insulation above exterior wall top plates. With the added space, the truss doesn’t compress attic insulation over the top plate and compromise its insulation value, a common weakness of conventional truss systems.
The energy code allows for use of less insulation for the entire ceiling system when a raised-heel truss system is used, allowing builders to reduce material costs and increase energy efficiency. Home Energy Rating (HERS) studies also indicate that with consistent ceiling insulation, APA says, the home maintains a more stable interior temperature that results in a more comfortable home and lower utility bills.
The system also features structural advantages, according to APA. Wall systems that combine raised-heel trusses with overlapping continuous plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) sheathing have better resistance to lateral forces produced by high winds or seismic activity than those fastened with conventional wall-to-truss connections.
Related Stories
| Aug 11, 2010
Sika Sarnafil launches sustainable roofing resource website SustainabilityThatPays.com
Sika Sarnafil, the worldwide market leader in thermoplastic roofing and waterproofing membranes, today launched a new web site dedicated to supporting sustainability principals and environmentally responsible building. The streamlined site, SustainabilityThatPays.com &http://www.SustainabilityThatPays.com> provides the building owner with critical information on selecting roofing and waterproofing systems...
| Aug 11, 2010
AGC: Construction unemployment reaches 19.2%
Unemployment in the construction sector climbed to a “horrendous” 19.2 percent (not-seasonally adjusted) as an additional 59,000 construction workers lost their jobs in May according to new federal data, said construction economist Ken Simonson today.
| Aug 11, 2010
9 rooftop photovoltaic installation tips
The popularity of rooftop photovoltaic (PV) panels has exploded during the past decade as Building Teams look to maximize building energy efficiency, implement renewable energy measures, and achieve green building certification for their projects. However, installing rooftop PV systems—rack-mounted, roof-bearing, or fully integrated systems—requires careful consideration to avoid damaging the roof system.
| Aug 11, 2010
Roof board is tough enough for Kia Motors manufacturing plant
For Kia Motors, selecting the right roof board was an important aspect of the company’s $1 billion project to build a new manufacturing plant in West Point, Ga. Kia and its primary roof design expert for the project, All South Subcontractors Inc. of Birmingham, Ala., were faced with many roof board choices, such as asphaltic, mineral fiberboard, plywood/OSB, wood fiberboard, perlite, and paper faced gypsum.
| Aug 11, 2010
USGBC’s Greenbuild 2009 brings global ideas to local main streets
Save the planet with indigenous knowledge. Make permanent water part of your life. Dive deep water for clues to environmental success. Connect site selection to successful creative concepting. Explore the unknown with Discovery Channel’s best known guide. These are but a few of the big ideas participants can connect to at USGBC’s Greenbuild International Conference and Expo, taking place on November 11-13, 2009 in Phoenix, Ariz.
