How Much Does Roof Truss Repair Cost?
You noticed that sag in the roof of your home. A trip into your attic and a bit of investigation and you found a roof trust with some damage. The damage doesn’t look too bad from the inside, but you can see the definite sag where the roof truss has bowed from the outside. How much does it cost to repair a roof truss?
If you are considering replacing your roof, get a quote from local contractors in your area here.
Repairing a roof truss is a critical repair that you shouldn’t ignore. Expect a roof truss repair to cost $750. In some cases, the cost can be as little as $50 if the damage is minimal. Most repairs will cost less than $1,500, while extensive damage may require a roof replacement that can cost up to $15,000.
Roof trusses come in a variety of styles using different construction methods. Typically, the cost of roof trusses for new home construction runs about $3.50 per square foot for the average truss. Specialty trusses can reach $400 or more. Repairing roof trusses is possible but requires special knowledge and equipment.
Can You Actually Repair a Roof Truss?
Roof truss repair requires understanding how roof trusses work, how the roof truss was damaged, and the extent of the damage. Typically, these are not factors that the average homeowner can assess. In some jurisdictions, a licensed engineer must evaluate and oversee the repair of roof trusses.
Where the damage is minimal and the truss is not compromised, contractors use timber resin or joist end repair plates to make in-place repairs. More important is to identify what caused the damage and repair the problem. In-place truss repairs typically cost between $300 and $800 per truss
Cost to Reinforce the Roof
In some cases, a qualified professional may reinforce the roof structure, including damaged trusses. In general, these types of repairs apply only to roof trusses with minimal damage that does not compromise the overall strength of the truss.
Most contractors qualified to repair or reinforce a roof truss won’t estimate the repair cost. Examining the damage often doesn’t reveal problems until the repair or reinforcement has begun. For this reason, most contractors will quote on a cost-plus basis. The cost is a combination of the cost of the materials plus an hourly charge. Typically, the hourly charge for these kinds of repairs averages $55 per hour.
Cost to Replace Roof Trusses with Rafters
Replacing a trussed roof with rafters can make sense if the original rafter designs are not available for the truss company. However, if your roof trusses are simple, they will usually cost much less than framing rafters on site. Framing rafters for a new roof typically costs between $13,500 and $22,00.
The size and complexity of the roof are the two factors contributing most to roof rafter construction costs. You may also incur costs for an engineer to draw a roof framing plan if your local building code requires the drawings for a permit.
Getting an Estimate from a Contractor
Before you contemplate any job or project to repair or replace your roof trusses, you should consult a contractor for a cost estimate. A contractor will have the required knowledge and the proper licenses, bonds, and insurance to protect you during the project. A contractor will also know the regulations on permitting required by your local officials.
In general, you should consider these tips when looking for a roof truss contractor.
- Get at least three estimates from different contractors for comparison.
- Ask for references. Qualified contractors should have references and be happy to show off their work.
- Make sure that the contractor has all the required licenses, bonds, and insurance. Your local permitting office should be able to help you find a contractor that has all the requirements.
- Check the estimates to make sure they include all costs and labor for the job.
Avoid, if possible, contractors who offer a cost-plus approach. Once a contractor has your roof partially dismantled, it is hard to control costs as the repairs continue.
Consider Building Codes
No matter which option you choose, you should remain constantly aware of the building codes in your area. Many building codes require you to take out a permit for structural additions or repairs even if you are doing a homeowner repair. Permits often include periodic inspections by the building inspector during your work.
In general, homeowner permits are less expensive than contractor permits. In most locations, repairing or replacing a roof truss requires a construction permit. The range of costs for a homeowner construction permit varies with the complexity of the job. In general, you can expect to pay between $500 to $2,000 for a building permit.
Other Repair and Replacement Considerations
There are other considerations to take when anticipating a roof truss repair or replacement. Among these other considerations are these issues.
- Engineering Costs – You may need drawings and plans for your home to get a permit to repair your home’s roof. The complexity of your roof and the materials you select for your roof truss impact the cost of having engineering plans drawn.
- Truss Costs – Having trusses built also incurs costs for your project. In general, roof truss companies will take your engineering drawings and give you a cost per truss. The average cost for standard trusses can range from $35 to over $400 for each truss.
- Materials – The cost of your trusses is influenced by the material you select. Typically, residential trusses are built using timber. In some cases, your engineer may specify steel trusses where extreme spans or complex shapes make timber unusable.
Like selecting a contractor, it is not unusual to submit your truss plans to several different truss companies for competing bids.
Trusses vs. Rafters Cost
At first glance, trusses seem to be more expensive than rafters for residential structures. This cost difference is a bit misleading for several reasons.
- The truss cost includes the labor costs to build the truss and transport the truss to your building site. Many people compare this cost to the cost of the materials to frame rafters and fail to consider the labor costs in the rafter.
- Trusses usually shorten construction time. Once the trusses are onsite, placing them is much faster than framing rafters in most cases.
Making a comparison of truss costs vs. rafter costs must be done carefully. Using national average costs for labor and materials, a comparison of costs between rafters and trusses breaks down like this.
Roof Truss Construction | Rafter Construction | |
Truss Construction | $1.00 per board foot/ $10,500 average | $3 to $5 per board foot |
Crane and Operator | $150 per day/ $500 per job | N/A |
Installation Labor Costs | $2,240 | $10,500 – $24,000 |
Overall, trusses will cost between $9 and $11 per square foot on an average residential construction project. The rafter construction will cost between $7 to $16 per square foot in a comparable home.
How Much Does a 20 Foot Truss Cost?
Generally, a 20-foot timber truss with a 4/12 pitch will cost between $30 and $50. This cost does not include delivery or installation costs. Specialty trusses can cost more depending on the design or the complexity.
How Much Does a 40 Foot Truss Cost?
A 40-foot span timber truss with a 4/12 pitch typically costs between $125 and $155. The longer span requires more material, more fasteners, and more labor costs. This truss price doesn’t include delivery or installation.
Roof Truss Repair – Not Something to Ignore
Few homeowners go into their attic spaces regularly for inspections or repairs. This space often suffers from neglect. A regular schedule of inspection can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars in repair costs.
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Dennis is a retired firefighter with an extensive background in construction, home improvement, and remodeling. He worked in the trades part-time while serving as an active firefighter. On his retirement, he started a remodeling and home repair business, which he ran for several years.
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