Those Engineered Trusses are excellent, their laminated construction increases their cross-sectional modulus value for better load bearing applications. There is also better long-term protection from deterioration due to humidity and insects because of the inter layer bonding used.
That's interesting.
One of us has misinterpreted what
@Dabbler meant by "engineered truss". I had thought he meant trusses that were prebuilt and pre-approved by an engineer for a given span, application, and construction standard. They are assembled out of regular lumber at a truss yard and delivered in a stack to the job site.
But you thought he meant those man-made Laminated Trus-Joists developed by Weyerhaeuser. I knew the chief engineer at Weyerhaeuser in BC. Great guy.
Assuming
@Dabbler meant the man made joists (which come in a million sizes and design types), you are right about their many advantages. But I think you missed their two biggest advantages - which are consistency and big trees are not required. The strength properties of Natural lumber vary all over the map. A simple knot or a growth varience can dramatically reduce their strength. So they are rated at minimum and graded. Trus-Joists are very uniform and the properties are more consistent which makes them much more reliable. They can also be made from small trees which make the forestry management more sustainable.
My home is built with Weyerhaeuser "Silent Floor" Trusses which look and act a bit like wooden I-Beams. I love them. We also have huge 16x6 Trus-Joists for high load bearing locations that would usually use a steel beam.
Can't wait to see which one
@Dabbler meant. I'll be happier if it's your version.
