Humber/Ontario Real Estate Course 3 Exam Practice

What is a characteristic of roof trusses in residential construction?

1. Are mainly made up of steel.

2. Are also known as chords.

3. Can be subject to truss uplift during winter months.

4. Vary little in terms of size or configuration.

The correct answer is: Can be subject to truss uplift during winter months.

The statement regarding truss uplift during winter months is indeed correct. Truss uplift occurs when the temperature changes, particularly in winter, leading to a decrease in the weight of snow or other loads on the roof. This results in the bottom chords of the trusses being subjected to tensile forces that can cause them to lift or deform. It is important for builders and homeowners to understand this phenomenon so they can take appropriate measures, such as ensuring proper ventilation and insulation, to manage the effects on the structure. Roof trusses are typically made from timber rather than steel, which makes the first option less accurate in a general context of residential construction. While the words "chords" can refer to the structural members of a truss, it is not commonly used to describe roof trusses alone, thus potentially causing confusion about terminology. Additionally, roof trusses do vary significantly in size and configuration based on the design needs of the building, so uniformity in these aspects is not characteristic of roof trusses. Therefore, the correct choice accurately reflects a specific and relevant concern that can arise with roof trusses in residential construction.