# Common Roof Trusses
Roof trusses are triangular structures that support and frame the roof of a house. Often these structures contain wood or steel braces and at least one triangular unit connected to a straight beam at points called nodes. The exposed wooden beams on the ceiling of an unfinished attic in an angular-roofed house may be the type of truss you are most familiar with. They support the weight of the roof and any snow or ice that may build up on it. In addition to roofs, trusses can be used for bridges and communication towers.
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Hip Roof Truss
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A hip roof truss is four-sided, with large sides and sloping ends. These trusses have self-bracing eaves on all sides that protect the wall below it.
Scissor Truss
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A scissor truss uses chords that slope inward and resemble a hang glider. Traditional ceilings in cathedrals use scissor trusses. These roof trusses are much more expensive than standard roof trusses.
Parallel Chord Truss
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Parallel chord trusses are similar to scissor trusses, except that they allow for easy attic insulation. These are also quite expensive because of the need for specially manufactured wood and steel braces.
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Architecture
