Field Framed vs Truss Framed Valley Transitions
If you are building a simple rectangle or square structure, you probably will not need to worry about a valley transition. But once you add an L shaped or T shaped addition, things get a little more complicated, and that is where valleys come in. At Truss Components, we want to make sure you understand your options so you can choose what fits your project best and avoid surprises down the road.
What Is a Valley Transition
A valley transition is the spot where two roof sections come together. Without it, water would run down one side and slam right into the other with nowhere to go. That can cause leaks, damage, and a lot of frustration you do not need.
There are two main ways to handle a valley. You can frame it on site by cutting rafters or you can use a truss framed valley set that is predesigned and built for your project. Both work, but depending on your situation, one might save you a lot of time and hassle.
The T addition on a home.
How Field Framed Valleys Work
In a field framed valley, your crew lays a sole plate right on the roof below. Then they cut and install rafters, usually two by six or larger, tying everything together at the top with a ridge beam.
The upside to field framing is flexibility. If you are matching new construction to an existing roof and you are not sure about the exact pitch or heel heights, cutting rafters on site can save you from costly mistakes.
The downside is that it takes serious skill to do it right. It is also time consuming. Plus, in most field framed valleys, framers do not add regular supports under the new framing. That means the load gets concentrated at a few points, not spread out evenly. Roof systems are designed for uniform loads, not point loads. Over time, those pressure points can stress the structure underneath.
How Truss Framed Valley Sets Work
With a truss framed valley set, everything is built ahead of time to match your roof. The trusses gradually taper from the front roof section to the back just like the field framed version would but they are engineered to distribute weight properly across the roof below.
A truss valley set comes with two by four or two by six top and bottom chords, and vertical uprights spaced every four feet. This creates a sturdy structure that installs quickly and minimizes the chance of future problems.
Because everything arrives premanufactured, you save hours of on site labor and reduce the risk of errors. It also means you do not have to rely as heavily on highly skilled labor for layout and cutting.
The only tricky part is that if your structure is already built or if you are still unsure about final pitches and heel heights, it can be harder to design a valley set ahead of time.
Which Option Is Right for You
If your project is complex, if you are tying into unknown framing, or if you expect last minute changes, field framing might be the better bet. Just make sure your crew is experienced and understands how to spread the load properly.
If your project is more straightforward or if you want to save time, labor, and stress, using a truss framed valley set is usually the way to go. It installs fast, is engineered for your structure, and helps protect the framing below for the long haul.
We Are Here to Help
No matter which option you choose, we are here to make sure your project runs smoothly. If you are interested in using a truss valley set, let your sales representative know early on so we can help design exactly what you need.
And if you are curious about other ways to make your build easier, check out our videos on roof trusses and floor trusses versus joist framing. Thanks for trusting Truss Components. We look forward to being part of your next successful project.
