Home Inspection State Practice Exam

What are roof trusses typically designed for?

1. Three-point bearing

2. Two-point bearing

3. Single-point bearing

4. Four-point bearing

The correct answer is: Two-point bearing

Roof trusses are typically designed for two-point bearing. This design allows trusses to distribute loads effectively across two supports, which are generally the exterior walls of the building. This two-point bearing system provides stability and strength, allowing the trusses to carry and transfer the weight of the roof to the supports efficiently. In a residential construction context, two-point bearing is advantageous as it simplifies the structural requirements of the roof system while maintaining the necessary support for both the roof structure itself and any additional loads, such as snow or equipment. This design is a fundamental aspect of how trusses operate, making them a commonly used choice in roof construction due to their efficiency and economical use of materials.