An attic truss is typically used to support a gable roof.
An attic truss is a supporting feature found in many home or building attics. This structure will basically support the roof of the house or building and help the roof resist lateral wind forces, snow loads and debris. A house is likely to have a series of truss supports running the entire length of the building, rather than just one, to ensure that the roof load is properly distributed and supported. Trusses are usually made from straight timber members, although steel and aluminum trusses are also possible.
The specific shape and structure of an attic truss can vary. The two most common types are king beams and queen beams. These two designs can be used independently or in combination with each other. The Queen Attic Framing System is often used to transform an attic space from a simple storage unit into a usable living space by freeing up space in the center of the attic. The general profile of the system will create a large square in the center of the space, and the sides and top of the pitched roof will be supported by straight wooden posts oriented in triangular shapes. This gives the roof strength while opening up useful attic space.
King joists are typically used for smaller ceilings or on top of a queen joist. The King Loft truss features a central vertical beam around which other support beams will be attached, creating a series of triangles. This design usually does not free up space in the attic, since the central beam goes directly to the center of the room. When used independently, the attic space is often used for storage. When used in conjunction with a queen truss, the king truss will only extend from the top of the roof to the top horizontal beam of the attic queen truss.
While most framing structures are designed to work in conjunction with gabled roofs, it is also possible to build an attic framing in a mansard-style home or structure. Gambrel roofs have a peak, but the roof will have two maximum angles: the bottom of the roof will have a steeper angle than the top of the roof. The truss itself is usually built to match the junction between the two spikes.
