Alternatives to Apex Roof Trusses

Apex Trusses and Basics

• Apex trusses are trusses made by the Apex Truss company. Based in Norfolk, Va., this company produces trusses and ships them throughout the mid-Atlantic region for construction projects. Because Apex trusses are not a specific kind of truss, but rather a brand, you can use any comparable truss in place of an Apex truss. For instance, you can replace an Apex attic truss with any attic truss of the same dimensions, an Apex bowstring truss with any bowstring truss of the same dimensions, and so forth. Finding alternatives begins with knowing the type and dimensions of trusses you need.

Other Truss Companies

• Using a truss company other than Apex entails the most obvious and easiest alternative to using Apex trusses. Numerous other truss companies exist in the same area as Apex, including Timber Truss Housing Systems Inc. of Salem, Va.; Dominion Truss of Abingdon, Va.; Blue Ridge Truss and Supply Inc. of Basye, Va.; and Truswood, which has offices throughout Virginia and North Carolina. Purchase trusses from these companies by contacting them directly or finding an authorized dealer in your area.

Contractors

• If you plan on hiring a contractor to build your house, remodel your roof or otherwise install your trusses, consider purchasing trusses through the contractor. Contractors often maintain relationships with specific suppliers. Search for a contractor in your area that has ties with a company other than Apex for alternatives to Apex roof trusses. You also can request that a contractor or carpenter build trusses specifically for your project, rather than using prefabricated trusses. This may add significantly to project costs, but helps avoid using Apex trusses.

Building Your Own Truss

• Building your own truss eliminates the need to rely upon a third party. Basic trusses consist of little more than large wooden triangles, which you can build with three pieces of wood, nails or screws, and a nail gun or drill. Always plan truss construction carefully. Use resources available online or at your local library to choose lumber types, fasteners, shapes and dimensions for your trusses. Avoid building your own trusses if you lack confidence or experience working with wood. It's better to spend some money on outside help than have your roof collapse.

Alternative Roof Systems

• Choosing an alternative roof system to trusses eliminates the need to purchase or build trusses. A rafter system uses structural beams, joists and joints to support the weight of the roof. This type of system works in a single flat layer with multiple component parts, rather than rising up into the structure of your roof like a truss. You also can install a flat roof. Flat roofs use joist and beam support networks, and they may also require additional support, such as a ballast layer designed to prevent the roof from blowing away in windy conditions.