Gambrel Roof Truss Plans and Step by Step Instructions

A gambrel roof is a great choice for a home, offering plenty of space for living areas and storage. It's a design that's been around for centuries, originating in Europe.

The gambrel roof truss is the backbone of this style, providing structural support and a unique aesthetic. The truss is composed of two sloping sides, with a second slope that's steeper than the first.

To build a gambrel roof truss, you'll need to start with a basic truss design, which includes a top chord, bottom chord, and web members. The web members are the vertical pieces that connect the top and bottom chords.

A typical gambrel roof truss plan will include a 24-inch on-center spacing for the truss members, with a 2x6 or 2x8 lumber used for the top and bottom chords.

Broaden your view: Parallel Chord Truss Roof

The gambrel roof design is very practical and attractive, allowing for maximum storage space in the attic area without the need for interior walls or support posts. This is because the six foot pitch break in the gambrel roof means very little of the interior space is rendered unusable by the slope of the ceiling.

Most of the interior space directly under the roof can be utilized as living space, making it ideal for homes with limited square footage. The gambrel roof truss design is also perfect for incorporating exterior design elements like dormers, which increase the sidewalk appeal and value of a home.

A key thing to note is that the gambrel roof is sometimes mistakenly called a mansard roof, but they have distinct differences. The mansard roof features a very shallow upper pitch with a steep lower pitch on four sides, whereas the gambrel roof has a steep pitch on two sides.

Take a look at this: Gambrel Roof vs Mansard Roof

Roof trusses are a crucial part of any building design, and gambrel roof trusses are particularly useful for maximizing storage space in the attic area.

A gambrel roof design allows for a six foot pitch break, which means that very little of the interior space is rendered unusable by the slope of the ceiling.

This makes it ideal for haylofts and other types of buildings where interior space is valuable.

Exterior design elements like dormers can be easily incorporated into the rooflines supported by gambrel roof trusses.

The gambrel roof is often mistaken for a mansard roof, but they have distinct characteristics: the gambrel roof features a steep pitch on two sides, while the mansard roof has a very shallow upper pitch with a steep lower pitch on four sides.

To design a gambrel truss, you need to take precise measurements, starting with the top of the trusses and measuring down 3 1/2" off each line to represent a full 2x4.

Each truss piece will be 3' 10" long on the top measurement, with angles cut at 22.5 degrees off each end.

Using a speed square is the easiest way to get these angle measurements right.

Recommended read: Roof Pitch

When building a gambrel shed, you'll want to consider the width carefully. Please do not use these guidelines for building a shed wider than 12'.

For a 10' wide barn, a gambrel truss design is suitable. The example I use below is for a 10' wide barn.

Safety is a top priority, and for sheds wider than 12', it's recommended to have a truss manufacturer build your gambrel trusses.

Take a look at this: Gambrel Barn Roof

When planning the structure of your building, consider the importance of lower siding, ceiling joists, and loft flooring. This step is crucial for a stable and secure foundation.

Adding siding will help protect your building from the elements, and it's essential to do this before moving on to other parts of the construction process. The addition of ceiling joists will provide a solid base for your roof, and loft flooring will make it easier to install your roof sheeting.

Loft flooring is particularly useful because it allows you to stand on the floor while installing the upper panels of your roof sheeting. This can save time and make the process more efficient.

Additional bracing may be added across the trusses for more support, but make sure each truss is exactly at its on-center location across the top. This will ensure that your building remains stable and secure throughout the construction process.

To build a gambrel roof truss, you'll need a few essential tools. A calculator will come in handy for making precise calculations, while a saw is necessary for cutting the wood trusses and plywood.

To get accurate truss measurements, you'll need to draw lines between three points to represent the top of the trusses, and measure down 3 1/2" off each line to represent a full 2x4.

The middle line should be at a 45-degree angle, resulting in end angles of 22.5 degrees each on the truss pieces. This can be achieved using a speed square.

Each truss piece will be 3' 10" long on the top measurement. This length will serve as the basis for cutting the first truss.

To ensure the truss width is exactly 10', check the measurement from one bottom side to the other.

To get started on a project, you'll need the right tools and materials. A calculator is essential for making precise measurements and calculations.

You'll need a saw to cut through wood, and a pencil or chalk to mark your cuts accurately. I always make sure to have a sharp pencil handy to avoid mistakes.

Wood trusses, specifically 2x6 size, are a must-have for building or repairing structures. They provide the necessary support and stability.

A hammer and nails are necessary for assembling and securing the wood trusses in place. Make sure to use the right type of nails for the job.

For the base and top of the structure, you'll need 1/2" and 3/4" plywood, respectively. These provide a solid foundation and a smooth surface.

To protect the structure from the elements, you'll need waterproof material. This can be applied to the exterior of the structure to ensure it remains dry and secure.

Here's a list of the essential tools and materials you'll need:

To build a gambrel roof truss, start by preparing the site, ensuring it's level and clear of debris. This is crucial for a stable foundation.

The first step in constructing a gambrel roof truss is to create the wall plates, which are the horizontal beams that run along the top and bottom of the wall. According to the truss plans, the wall plates should be made from 2x8 lumber.

Next, the truss rafters are constructed, which are the sloping beams that make up the roof's triangular shape. The truss rafters are typically made from 2x6 or 2x8 lumber, depending on the design.

To measure 2x4's for your gambrel truss, start by transferring the measurements to a 2x4. Draw lines between the three points to represent the top of the trusses, and measure down 3 1/2" off each line to represent a full 2x4.

Each truss piece will be 3' 10" long on the top measurement, and the angles cut will be 22.5 degrees off each end. The easiest way to get these angle measurements on the ends will be with the use of a speed square.

Worth a look: Roof Cleaning and Moss Treatment

Cut 4 pieces to form your first truss, and make sure the width of your truss is exactly 10' from one bottom side to the other. There will be some play with your truss after the gusset plates are nailed on, but it's critical with this first truss that it measures up.

If your truss doesn't measure up, make any necessary adjustments and record these adjustments so that the remaining trusses will be identical.

As you're building your shed, it's essential to attach the gusset plates correctly to ensure a sturdy structure. You'll need to nail them to the truss at all 3 connection spots.

Nail gusset plates to the truss at all 3 connection spots with 8d common nails, using 10 per connection, 5 per each truss end. This will provide the necessary support for your shed's roof.

Generally, it's recommended to use 10 per connection, but be sure to use 5 per each truss end. This will help you achieve a secure and stable structure.

Here's the deal, folks. Three answers to get you started on your construction project.

You'll need to prepare the site, which involves clearing the land, removing any debris, and grading the soil to ensure it's even and stable. This is crucial for the foundation of your project.

Excavation is a critical step, where you'll dig the site to the required depth for the foundation. Typically, this involves digging a hole that's about 1-2 feet deeper than the foundation will be.

The foundation is the base of your project, and it needs to be solid to support the weight of the structure. In most cases, this involves laying a concrete slab or a series of footings and piers.

Now, let's talk about the actual construction of your project. This involves framing, which is the process of building the skeleton of your structure. Think of it like building a giant birdcage for your walls and roof.

Insulation and drywall come next, which will help with energy efficiency and soundproofing. Don't forget to add windows and doors for natural light and ventilation.

Finishing touches include installing flooring, cabinets, and fixtures. This is where you get to add some personality to your space and make it feel like home.