• The design of your porch trusses should take into consideration the design of your home.porch and windows image by hazel proudlove from Fotolia.com
  
  Porch trusses can vary greatly in style, pitch and functionality. Trusses are the framework or skeletal system to the roof on your porch. The majority of porch trusses are covered with roofing materials, providing a safe haven from the seasons. The design of your porch trusses should take into consideration the design of your home, the pitch of the existing roof, shingle color and how well it ties in to your home. Adding a roof to an existing porch or creating an entirely new outdoor space can bring added value to your home, as well as provide an inviting area for family and friends.
  
  

Dual Pitch Truss

• The dual pitch truss has an angle or slope on both sides. This type of truss is very commonly used, and can conform to the design of many homes.
  
  

Hip Truss

• The hip truss is constructed with the top portion being level and then having a slope or angle on each side. Hip trusses are not as common, but can add interest and enhance certain types of architecture.
  
  

Scissor Truss

• The scissor truss will allow you to create the vaulted effect. Scissor trusses will add another dimension of interest and provide added height to your porch ceiling.
  
  

Parallel Chord Truss

• The parallel chord truss does not have any pitch at all. It is level all the across on the top and the bottom. You will see this type of truss used on the front of many businesses. But you can also use this type to create a statement on your porch.
  
  

Standard Porch Truss

• The standard truss can consist of one angle sloping downward from the front of the house or it can have two sloping sides as in the dual pitch truss.
  
  

Studio Vault with Piggyback Truss

• The studio vault with a piggyback truss has an angled pitch on the underneath or ceiling portion of the framework. The top portion of the truss will generally have an equal amount of slope. This type of truss will conform to the design of most homes but will provide an added element of interest and dimension.
  
  

Attic Truss

• The attic truss is constructed with a space or opening in the middle. You may perhaps use this as added storage. This is the only feature that differentiates this type of truss from the standard or dual pitch truss.