Roof Trusses vs. Rafters: How Roof Framing Trends Are Shaping the Industry
The shift from traditional stick-framed (rafter) roofs to engineered roof trusses has been one of the most significant advancements in modern homebuilding over the past few decades. Nationwide, nearly 70% of new single-family homes are built using roof trusses, either entirely or in hybrid systems that combine trusses and rafters.
Our industry association - the Structural Building Components Association (SBCA) - in partnership with Home Innovation Research Labs has been studying this shiftt for years. Research released in 2021 provides key insights into how builders are framing roofs today—and where roof trusses continue to gain ground.
📊 In this article, we’ll break down:
The latest industry data on roof trusses vs. rafters in new home construction.
Why roof trusses dominate the Colorado market.
The growing role of I-joists and engineered wood in modern roof designs.
Roof trusses continue to dominate new single family construction
According to Home Innovation Research Labs’ 2021 Builder Best Practice Report, roof trusses are used in over 71.8% of new single-family homes nationwide. However, only 42.4% of homes use trusses exclusively, while 29.4% use hybrid framing (a mix of trusses and rafters).
This means that nearly 30% of roofs still involve stick framing, suggesting there’s room for further adoption of trusses—especially as off-site construction and labor shortages push the industry toward more efficient framing methods.
Key takeaways:
✅ Trusses have gradually replaced rafters in residential construction.
✅ Hybrid systems (trusses + rafters) remain common, but they require more labor and field modifications.
✅ Opportunities exist to further increase truss market share, particularly in regions where stick framing is still prevalent.
Roof truss market share over time - single family homes
Roof Framing Trends in Multifamily Construction
While trusses remain the preferred method for single-family homes, multifamily construction has seen a decline in truss usage, dropping 8% in market share in recent years. This shift is due, in part, to changing roof designs in urban multifamily projects, which favor low-slope or flat roofs that are increasingly framed with I-joists and engineered wood instead of traditional peaked trusses.
Key takeaways from the data:
✅ Multifamily construction is shifting toward engineered wood solutions, particularly in flat-roof designs.
✅ Roof trusses are still widely used, but they face competition from I-joists and panelized roof systems in urban developments.
✅ Builders are adapting to labor shortages by selecting framing methods that minimize on-site complexity.
Roof truss market share over time - townhomes & multifamily homes
Why Roof Trusses Dominate in Colorado
In Colorado (where we’re based), roof trusses are overwhelmingly the standard for single family homes, with stick framing (rafter-built roofs) becoming extremely rare outside of custom home construction. In fact, most framers today lack the skills to build hand-stacked roofs, as the industry has fully embraced pre-engineered trusses.
The Rise of I-Joists & Engineered Wood in Modern Roof Designs
One notable trend in Colorado is the growing use of I-joists and engineered wood in flat and low-slope roofs (e.g., “mountain modern”). While the national data still shows trusses as the dominant framing method, modern home designs—especially those with contemporary, low-pitch roofs—have led to a higher adoption of engineered wood framing in urban areas.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Roof Framing System
For most residential and commercial projects, roof trusses continue to be the best choice due to their:
✔ Strength & long-span capabilities
✔ Reduced on-site labor requirements
✔ Cost efficiency compared to traditional rafters
However, for flat or low-slope roofs, builders may need to evaluate the benefits of I-joists and engineered wood framing as design trends continue to evolve.
Looking for expert guidance on roof truss solutions in Colorado? Contact us today to discuss your next project!
