Design a roof with raised rafters to avoid cold corners

Often, rafters or standard trusses meet the top wall plate creating a tight corner with little room for insulation and ventilation.
A raised-heel truss (or rafter) is one alternative, which raises the roof plane up off the wall plate, allowing more room for insulation.

Avoiding cold corners saves heating energy, limits mold caused by condensation, improves indoor air quality, and improves comfort.

GREEN POINTS

NGBSNational Green Building Standard Based on the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines and passed through ANSI. This standard can be applied to both new homes, remodeling projects, and additions. /ICC-700: Under Chapter 6 - Resource Efficiency: 3 points for using roof trusses (607.1); 4 points for use of precut I-joists (601.5); 4 points for SIP(SIP) Building panel usually made of oriented strand board (OSB) skins surrounding a core of expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam insulation. SIPs can be erected very quickly with a crane to create an energy-efficient, sturdy home. roof (601.5). Under Chapter 7 - Energy Efficiency: Roofs that contribute to superior thermal performance can contribute to points under the prescriptive path (701.1.1) or the performance path (701.1.2).

Learn more in the Green Building Encyclopedia:

STRUCTURE:ROOFS

DRAWING LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION DETAILS

Raised Heel Truss Using Slider

Further Resources

Building Science Corp.

RR-0404: Roof Design

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