Roof, Wood or Metal

[Chad]

We are building are third carwash. Our current two have metal flat roofs. Our new one will be a peaked roof. Can it be constructed of wood trusses? Our designer thinks we need metal for moisture. We will be using plastic pvc panels on the ceiling and walls. I don't think much moisture will get up in the attic. Anybody using wood trusses?

 

[raisetheprice]

We are building are third carwash. Our current two have metal flat roofs. Our new one will be a peaked roof. Can it be constructed of wood trusses? Our designer thinks we need metal for moisture. We will be using plastic pvc panels on the ceiling and walls. I don't think much moisture will get up in the attic. Anybody using wood trusses?

We're double autos...wood trusses in the equipment room are exposed with no problems. Over the bays is wood too, plywood ceiling (or sheetrock would work) with fiberglass protecting it. The walls are split faced block. No problems, just over 8 years old on one and 10 years old on the other. Picked is the 10 year old site.

 

[bneckrock]

The only "expert" who advised me to opt for metal trusses was my insurance agent. Difference in premiums was very small. If an engineer will seal the plans with wood, I'd go for wood.

 

[I.B. Washincars]

I've got two washes with wood trusses, 17 & 18 years old and just as good as the day we opened. Go for it.

 

[jprb]

We used wood trusses on all four of our washes. We use metal ceilings in the bays which prevented one burning car from destroying the whole place! We've had no water issues in the attic spaces.

You can order the wood trusses with an "A" frame in the center which allows great access to hose trough. It costs a little extra, but well worth it

 

[frside1]

there was a video here somewhere that showed a car buring in a bay and it destroyed the wood and vinyl structure in a mature of one or two minutes. i would never build wood for a car wash. jmo

 

[Greg Pack]

A few years back, I got an insurance quote on a wood vs metal truss on a new wash- almost 1K/yr difference. I'm sure the ISO rating of the municipality plays a part. It's worth a call to your insurance agent

 

[ted mcmeekin]

Wood no problem and no difference in insurance--no moisture but insure good soffit ventilation and ridge vent.

 

[Dirtychuck]

I've got a 2 yr old self serve with concrete block walls and 4/12 pitch wood trusses spaced 2 ft on center. White steel roofing panels for ceiling of the bays. Trusses look similar as the picture posted by jprb--Have 8 ft clear in center of truss and 4 ft headroom at center. No issues observed with moisture. Insurance was no issue.