Wooden Trusses in Canada: Factory-Made vs. Site-Built
Wooden trusses are a crucial component in Canadian construction, particularly for roofing. Builders often choose between prefabricated (factory-made) trusses and site-built trusses, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of Factory-Made Wooden Trusses
Efficiency & Speed – Prefabricated trusses are manufactured in a controlled environment, ensuring precision and reducing construction time.
Cost-Effective – Factory production minimizes material waste and labor costs, making it a more economical choice.
Consistent Quality – Since they are built using advanced machinery, prefab trusses meet strict industry standards and offer uniformity.
Structural Reliability – Designed to exact specifications, they provide strong support and stability.
Compliance with Building Codes – Many Canadian manufacturers ensure their trusses meet the National Building Code of Canada, guaranteeing safety and durability.
Variety of Designs – Prefabricated trusses come in multiple styles, including standard, gambrel, attic, scissors, cambered, and flat roof trusses, allowing for flexibility in construction.
Disadvantages of Factory-Made Wooden Trusses
Transportation Challenges – Large trusses can be difficult and costly to transport, especially to remote locations.
Limited Customization – While prefab trusses can be designed to specific dimensions, making adjustments on-site is more challenging.
Potential for Damage – Wooden trusses are susceptible to rot, insect infestations, and warping over time, requiring proper treatment.
Initial Investment – While cost-effective in the long run, ordering prefabricated trusses requires an upfront investment in materials and delivery.
Advantages of Site-Built Wooden Trusses
Customization – Builders can tailor trusses to unique designs or dimensions, making them ideal for complex projects.
On-the-Spot Adjustments – Modifications can be made during construction to fit unexpected changes.
No Transportation Needed – Since they are built on-site, there’s no need for costly transportation.
Flexibility in Materials – Builders can choose specific wood types and reinforcements based on project needs.
Disadvantages of Site-Built Wooden Trusses
Time-Consuming – Constructing trusses on-site can significantly extend the construction timeline.
Higher Labor Costs – Skilled labor is required, which can increase overall costs.
Inconsistent Quality – The quality of site-built trusses depends heavily on the skill level of the workers and the tools available.
Structural Limitations – Site-built trusses may not always meet the same engineering standards as factory-made ones.
Leading Wooden Truss Manufacturers in Canada
If you're considering factory-made trusses, here are some reputable manufacturers across Canada:
Atlantic Truss (New Brunswick) – Specializes in engineered wood products.
Ontario Truss and Wall (Ontario) – Offers pre-manufactured wood roof trusses and engineered joist systems.
Alberta Truss (Alberta) – Manufactures and ships a complete line of floor and roof trusses.
STRUCTURAL TRUSS SYSTEMS (Alberta) – Designs and delivers high-quality roof trusses.
Truline Truss (British Columbia) – Provides engineered building truss systems.
Adam Lumber Inc (Quebec) – A major player in wooden structure manufacturing.
For most projects, prefabricated wooden trusses are the preferred choice due to their efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and reliability. However, site-built trusses remain a viable option for custom designs or remote locations where transportation is a challenge. The best choice depends on the specific needs of the construction project.
