Steel Trusses Used in Carports

Post Brace

• A popular steel truss used in carports is a collar tie with post brace. This is a single post that secures the horizontal beam used to support the walls and ceiling. The steel post brace truss is then centered from the beam to the apex of the roof. While this does provide adequate support for carports not subjected to harsh wind and weather, it is not one of the strongest steel trusses.

Web Brace

• Web steel collar tie truss bracing utilizes four steel pieces above the supporting cross beam to add stability and strength to the carport. With this type of steel truss bracing, there are two small braces added on the sides of the crossbeam in addition to the four used above the cross beam. These are attached to the walls from the corner of the underside of the crossbeam, and at an angle to add additional support.

Tri-Truss

• Considered the most stable of the three standard steel trusses used with carports, the tri-truss essentially combines both the post collar tie truss and a variation of the web collar tie truss configurations. Using three steel pieces, one as a post and two that branch out from the center of the crossbeam to support the roof, these provide additional support and safety.

Customization

• The configuration of the building, either because of personal taste or building code or space requirements, may require some measure of customization. While many steel trusses are available in standard dimensions, these may or may not suit your particular needs. It is also possible to custom design the manufacture of steel trusses, essentially from scratch, by many manufacturers if additional support or size requirements are necessary. Some builders and do-it-yourselfers opt to customize steel tresses available on the market to suit their needs.