Inexpensive flat roofing is commonly used in commercial buildings, but traditional arched roofs are still preferred by many customer-facing businesses, such as hotels and restaurants. If you are overseeing the construction of such a building, choosing steel roof trusses instead of the timber trusses used in residential buildings can be highly beneficial.

Steel roof trusses are more expensive than their more commonly used timber counterparts, but investing a little extra in your roof trusses can be a very sound investment. Here are five reasons to choose steel roof trusses for new commercial buildings with arched roofing styles:

Durability

Roof trusses made from structural steel are significantly more durable than trusses made from timber. Constructing your commercial roofing with steel trusses will ensure that the finished roof can stand up to anything the elements can throw at it, including extreme winds, large amounts of settled snow and impact damage caused by falling masonry or tree branches.

Structural steel roof trusses are also immune to rot and mould, and cannot be damaged by termites or other wood-boring insects. Having your steel trusses painted or powder coated will also ensure that they remain resistant to rust and corrosion. With minimal maintenance required, a steel truss roof can last for decades.

Load-Bearing Strength

Steel roof trusses have significantly more load-bearing strength than timber alternatives, which is particularly useful when it comes to commercial building design. Choosing steel trusses allows you to create wide roofs without relying on supporting pillars or load-bearing walls. If you need a commercial building with large, open indoor spaces (such as a car showroom), steel trusses are ideal.

Fireproof

If your commercial building catches fire, timber trusses can easily be ignited by larger blazes, contributing to the fire and potentially causing catastrophic roof collapse. Steel trusses are completely non-flammable, which means they can help preserve your building even in the event of a large accidental fire. 

Lightweight

Because steel roof trusses have a higher strength-to-weight ratio than timber trusses, a steel truss will be lighter than a wooden truss of equivalent span and strength. Lightweight steel trusses are much easier to elevate and install and can be transported to the construction site in larger numbers. This can help to speed the construction of your new building significantly, reducing labour costs and downtime.

Eco-Friendly

Many businesses are taking steps to make their operations more eco-friendly, and choosing steel roof trusses can help minimise your new building's environmental impact. Steel roof trusses are frequently made from partially recycled steel, while timber trusses are often made from wood taken from non-sustainable sources. They can also be recycled once your building reaches the end of its useful life.

For more information, contact a steel fabrication company. 

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