I get your point, but honestly, I'm glad we went with rafters. Sure, finishing the attic was a pain, but now we've got a legit guest room up there. Trusses would've killed that option completely, so sometimes the hassle pays off...depends on your long-term plans I guess.
"Trusses would've killed that option completely, so sometimes the hassle pays off...depends on your long-term plans I guess."
That's a good way of looking at it. Rafters definitely offer more flexibility if you're planning future expansions or want usable attic space. But from a storm damage perspective, trusses have their advantages too—especially in regions prone to high winds or heavy snow loads. They distribute weight more evenly, reducing stress points. Ultimately, it's about weighing your priorities: extra living space versus peace of mind during extreme weather events...
Good points all around, but I'm wondering if trusses really offer that much more peace of mind? I mean, sure, they're engineered to handle heavy loads, but rafters have been around forever and plenty of older homes with rafters have weathered storms just fine. Maybe it's more about proper installation and maintenance than the type itself? Just thinking out loud here...I'm still learning as I go!
I've worked on roofs with both rafters and trusses, and honestly, I've seen good and bad examples of each. You're right that proper installation and maintenance are key—I've repaired storm damage on newer homes with trusses because someone cut corners during installation. On the flip side, I've seen old-school rafters hold strong through hurricanes because they were built solidly from the start. It's less about trusses vs. rafters and more about quality workmanship and materials. Just my two cents from climbing around roofs for a couple decades...
Totally agree with your point about workmanship. When we bought our house, the inspector pointed out that the trusses were actually pretty solid, but whoever installed them skimped on the hurricane ties and bracing. Ended up costing us a bit extra to get it sorted out properly, but I'm glad we did—especially after seeing what storms can do around here.
On the other hand, my parents' place has rafters from like 50 years ago, and they've held up surprisingly well. They've had some minor repairs over the years, sure, but nothing major. I think back then builders just took their time more often and used better lumber. Nowadays it feels like everything's rushed or corners get cut to save a buck.
For me personally, if I was building new right now and budget was tight (which it always is...), I'd probably lean toward trusses just because they're usually quicker to install and can save on labor costs. But I'd definitely make sure whoever installs them knows what they're doing and doesn't cheap out on hardware or bracing. Like you said, it's less about rafters vs trusses and more about how carefully they're put together.
Anyway, thanks for sharing your experience—it's helpful hearing from someone who's been up there dealing with this stuff firsthand.
