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Figuring out roof support: choosing between rafters and trusses

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running848
Posts: 12
(@running848)
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Good points here, especially about ventilation. When I moved into my place, the previous owner had insulation jammed right up against the soffit vents—caused a lot of moisture buildup. Took me a weekend to clear that out and add some baffles, but it made a huge difference.

"Mixing rafters and trusses isn't impossible, but it complicates ventilation."

I'd second this. If you can stick with one system, it'll save headaches down the line.


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Posts: 9
(@design_apollo)
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- Good catch on the soffit vents—seen that issue too many times.
- Mixing rafters/trusses can work, but yeah, ventilation gets tricky fast.
- Curious if anyone's tried hybrid setups successfully without moisture issues...?


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Posts: 14
(@skyw54)
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I've dealt with a few hybrid setups over the years, and honestly, they're tricky. It can be done, but you've gotta be meticulous about airflow and vapor barriers. One thing I've seen work pretty well is adding ridge vents combined with continuous soffit venting—plus making sure insulation isn't blocking things up. Still, I tend to steer clear unless there's a solid reason for mixing rafters and trusses... moisture issues are sneaky and expensive to fix later.


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jackcoder
Posts: 21
(@jackcoder)
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I've seen hybrid setups work pretty well, actually, but you're right—it's all about the details. One thing I'd add is considering a breathable underlayment beneath your roofing material. It can help manage moisture without trapping it inside. Also, have you ever looked into green roofs? They're surprisingly effective at regulating temperature and moisture... plus, they look pretty cool. Might be worth exploring if you're already juggling airflow and insulation anyway.


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explorer81
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(@explorer81)
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Hybrid setups can definitely be a solid choice if you're careful about moisture management and airflow. Breathable underlayment is a great shout—seen it save a few roofs from nasty mold situations, especially after storm damage. Green roofs, though...I mean, they're awesome in theory and look amazing, but I've seen mixed results depending on local climate and upkeep. One homeowner I worked with loved hers at first, but after a few heavy storms, she had trouble with drainage and ended up needing extra reinforcement underneath.

If you're leaning toward rafters or trusses, just keep in mind that trusses can sometimes limit your attic space flexibility down the line. Rafters give you more room to play around with insulation and ventilation options later on. But either way, it's all workable as long as you plan ahead for moisture and airflow—roofing's all about those sneaky details that catch you off guard later...


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