When designing a roof, even small details can make a big difference. One of those details is the roof truss heel, which affects everything from insulation and attic space to the appearance and cost of your roof.
But what exactly is a truss heel, and which type is best for your project?
Chad Johnson, owner of Truss Components of Washington (TCOW), breaks down three common roof truss heel configurations and the advantages of each.
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What Is a Roof Truss Heel?
The heel of a roof truss is the portion of the truss that rests on the supporting wall.
Roof trusses transfer loads from the roof, including snow and wind loads, through their bearing points and into the structure below. The heel configuration determines how the truss sits on those walls and can influence the space available for insulation, ventilation, and attic use.
Three common configurations are standard heels, raised heels, and cantilevered heels.
1. Standard Heel: Simple and Cost-Effective
A standard heel is the simplest and often most economical roof truss heel configuration.
With this design, the top chord of the truss extends down toward the bearing wall, creating a relatively low-profile heel.
Advantages
Cost-effective: A straightforward design that requires less material and labor.
Simple construction: One of the easiest heel configurations to manufacture.
Low profile: Typically requires no additional exterior siding to cover the heel.
Considerations
The biggest limitation of a standard heel is the space available for insulation near the exterior walls.
Because ventilation space must be maintained beneath the roof sheathing in a typical vented attic, the insulation depth can become restricted as the roof approaches the wall.
A standard heel can also limit usable attic space.
Best suited for: Garages, sheds, uninsulated buildings, and projects where additional insulation depth isn't required.
2. Raised Heel: More Room for Insulation
A raised heel truss increases the distance between the bearing wall and the top chord of the truss.
This additional height creates more room for insulation while maintaining the ventilation space required by the roof design.
Advantages
Improved insulation space: Allows deeper insulation to extend toward the exterior walls.
More attic space: Provides additional height within the roof structure.
Great for colder climates: Particularly useful where higher insulation levels are required.
Considerations
Raised heel trusses are more complex to manufacture because they require additional materials and labor.
The increased heel height also creates more exterior surface area that must be covered with siding or other appropriate materials.
Depending on the design, additional blocking may be required to properly transfer loads from the roof into the walls below.
Best suited for: Homes with higher insulation requirements, colder climates, and projects where additional attic space is desirable.
3. Cantilevered Heel: A Clean Look With Added Benefits
A cantilevered heel is a configuration where the bottom chord of the truss extends beyond the supporting wall.
This extension can form a roof overhang, helping protect the building's exterior from rain and snow.
Advantages
Built-in soffit backing: The extended bottom chord provides framing for enclosed soffits.
Clean appearance: Helps create a consistent roofline, even when different roof pitches are used.
More insulation space: Can accommodate deeper insulation while maintaining ventilation.
Additional attic space: Offers some of the same space advantages as a raised heel.
Considerations
Like raised heels, cantilevered configurations involve additional materials and manufacturing complexity.
The extended portion of the truss also requires an appropriate soffit enclosure.
Best suited for: Projects that benefit from consistent overhang heights, deeper insulation, and a clean exterior appearance.
Which Roof Truss Heel Is Right for Your Project?
Each roof truss heel configuration offers different advantages depending on your building's design, insulation requirements, and budget.
Standard Heel
Best for: Simple, cost-effective construction.
Main advantage: An economical design that requires fewer materials and less labor.
Consideration: Limited insulation depth near exterior walls.
Raised Heel
Best for: Homes requiring deeper insulation or additional attic space.
Main advantage: Provides more room for insulation while maintaining necessary ventilation space.
Consideration: Requires additional materials, labor, and exterior finishing.
Cantilevered Heel
Best for: Projects requiring clean overhangs, soffit backing, and greater insulation depth.
Main advantage: Provides framing for enclosed soffits while allowing deeper insulation and potentially more attic space.
Consideration: More complex construction and additional soffit finishing.
Ultimately, the right heel configuration depends on your project's specific needs. Factors like insulation requirements, roof pitch, attic space, and overall building design all play a role in determining which option makes the most sense.
Building Better Roofs With TCOW
At Truss Components of Washington, we've been manufacturing engineered roof trusses, floor trusses, and prefabricated wall panels for builders throughout Western Washington since 1992.
Whether you're planning a simple garage or a custom home with complex rooflines, understanding your truss options can help you make informed decisions early in the building process.
Have questions about the right truss configuration for your project? Contact TCOW to discuss your plans with our team.