Truss Glossary

A plain-language reference for the terms you'll encounter when ordering, designing, and installing roof and floor trusses.

Whether you're a first-time builder or a seasoned contractor, truss terminology can get technical fast. This glossary covers the most common terms we use at TrussTek so you can communicate clearly with our team and understand your truss drawings.

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Chord: The top and bottom horizontal (or sloped) members of a truss that form its outer boundary. The top chord follows the roof slope; the bottom chord is typically horizontal and forms the ceiling line.
Top chord: The sloped upper member of a roof truss. It carries the roof sheathing load and transfers it to the bearing points at each end of the truss.
Bottom chord: The horizontal lower member of a truss. It resists the outward thrust created by the roof load and typically serves as the ceiling joist. If the ceiling is vaulted or raised, then the bottom chord will assume that profile.
Web: The interior members of a truss that connect the top and bottom chords. Webs carry tension or compression forces and give the truss its triangulated strength.
Panel: The section of a truss between two adjacent web-to-chord connection points. Panel length affects the spacing of web members and the overall stiffness of the truss.
Peak: The highest point of a roof truss, where the two top chords meet. Also called the apex or ridge point.
Heel: The point at each end of a truss where the top chord and bottom chord intersect, directly above the bearing wall or beam. The heel height affects the usable attic space at the eave.
Bearing: The support point where a truss rests on a wall plate or beam. Most residential trusses have two bearing points — one at each end — though some designs have interior bearings.

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Our team is happy to walk you through any truss terminology or help you understand your drawings.