Strength You Can’t See: Why Trusses Add Lasting Value to Your Home
Most homeowners focus on the elements they can see in their home — countertops, flooring, fixtures — but the unseen structure behind the walls and ceilings is just as crucial to a home’s longevity and functionality. At Howland Homes, we understand that the foundation of a well-built home starts with thoughtful construction choices. One of those choices is using roof trusses and floor trusses instead of traditional joists. These engineered systems offer significant advantages in strength, efficiency, and future-proofing a home.
What Are Trusses? (vs. Traditional Joists)
Roof and floor trusses are pre-engineered structural components designed to support a home’s roof and floors more efficiently than traditional joists. While joists are straight lumber beams placed at regular intervals, trusses are crafted in triangular or open-web shapes that distribute loads more evenly across larger spans. Trusses provide greater design flexibility, allow longer unsupported spans, and make it easier to route mechanical systems like plumbing, HVAC, and electrical.
Benefits of Roof Trusses
Roof trusses create strength and stability across large spans, reducing the need for interior load-bearing walls. This allows for more open-concept living spaces and flexible interior layouts.
Another significant advantage is the ease of access they provide for HVAC systems. Roof trusses create open attic spaces that make installing, maintaining, and accessing heating and cooling equipment easier. Additionally, roof trusses help maximize attic storage capacity while supporting complex rooflines and energy-efficient designs.
Benefits of Floor Trusses
Floor trusses are designed with open-web patterns that allow for easier installation of plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems. Unlike traditional joists that often require drilling or cutting (which can weaken the structure), floor trusses provide built-in pathways for utilities, preserving structural integrity.
Their ability to span longer distances without the need for additional support beams allows for cleaner, more open floor plans. Floor trusses also reduce deflection and movement, creating a solid, quiet feel underfoot that’s noticeable in a well-built custom home.
Long-Term Value: Why Trusses Matter in Custom Homes
Trusses are prefabricated off-site, meaning they arrive ready for precise, quick installation. This improves the construction timeline and ensures accuracy in the framing process. While trusses may cost more upfront compared to traditional joists, the long-term benefits in labor savings, structural strength, and future accessibility often outweigh the initial investment.
Having accessible spaces for mechanical systems is a valuable benefit for future maintenance and potential upgrades. Whether it's HVAC servicing or plumbing repairs, trusses allow easier access to these critical systems without compromising the structure of the home.
A Stronger Home Begins with a Thoughtful Structure
Investing in roof and floor trusses is about more than just building strength into a home; it’s about designing a home that works better for the people who live in it. From creating open, flexible layouts to simplifying future maintenance, trusses provide long-term value that homeowners may not see at first glance but will appreciate for years to come. At Howland Homes, thoughtful construction choices like these are what set our custom homes apart. Contact us to start a conversation about what’s possible for your home.
