Essential Details You Need for a Simple Roof Truss Estimate
If you're planning a new structure and need a roof truss package, getting an accurate estimate starts with the right information. At Truss Components of Washington (TCOW), we’ve worked with countless builders and homeowners, and we know that the quoting process goes a lot smoother when we have a few key details up front. Whether you're building a simple garage or a small pole barn, this list covers the seven essential pieces of information we'll need to get your truss estimate started quickly and accurately.
Client Name and Contact Details
At the most basic level, your truss manufacturer needs to know the name and contact information of the person who owns the construction site. This keeps the project organized in our system and easy to reference when you’re ready to order. If you’re a contractor working on behalf of a client, we’ll also need your information. Truss Components of Washington (TCOW) commonly communicates with clients by phone, text, or email.
Delivery Address
The delivery address helps us evaluate the site ahead of time. We’ll check for potential obstacles like power lines, trees, or narrow roads that could prevent our trucks from safely accessing and unloading at the site. It also allows us to verify snow load requirements based on location, so your trusses are built to the correct strength.
Truss Span and Length
The span of a truss is the distance from the outside of one bearing wall to the outside of the opposite bearing wall, excluding any sheathing. The length is the total measurement of the bottom chord of the truss. If the truss has a cantilevered bottom chord, the length and span will differ.
Building Length and Truss Spacing
To figure out how many trusses your project needs, we’ll ask for the building length (also called the truss run) and the truss spacing. For example, if your building is 36 feet long and you’re spacing trusses 24 inches on center, you’ll need 19 trusses, starting with one at zero. If it’s a pole barn and your trusses are spaced 12 feet apart, you might only need six. These two measurements ensure we get the count right and that each truss is designed to support the proper roof area.
Roof Pitch
Roof pitch is expressed as rise over run. For example, 4 in 12 means the roof rises 4 inches for every 12 inches of horizontal distance. The pitch will be specified on your plans. If you are matching an existing building, please see “Precision in Construction: Verifying Dimensions for Trusses”, for instructions to determine the existing roof pitch and other necessary details.
Roofing Material
The roofing material affects how much weight the trusses need to support. Composition shingles weigh more than metal roofing, but less than tile. If you plan to install a ceiling, especially in a post-frame building, let us know. That added weight needs to be factored into the truss design.
Purpose of the Structure
The use of the building determines how it should be designed. This is based on an “importance factor,” which is guided by building codes. A fire station, for example, will need to meet a higher structural standard than a barn or equipment shed. Knowing how the building will be used helps us design trusses that meet the right codes and safety requirements.
Conclusion
Providing these seven details at the beginning of your project saves time, reduces the chance of design changes, and helps us deliver a product that fits your site and your structure exactly as it should. If your building design is more complex or includes multiple rooflines, we may also ask for blueprints to ensure everything is designed properly. The more we know, the better your trusses will perform—so don't hesitate to reach out with any questions as you prepare your estimate.
