Steel Trusses Nottingham

0115 647 6611

Roof Trusses, Structural Trusses, Lattice Girders & Long-Span Solutions

Steel Truss Fabrication

Nottingham Metalworks fabricates steel roof trusses for commercial, industrial, and agricultural buildings across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. From parallel chord trusses and pitched roof trusses to bowstring trusses and lattice girders, we deliver engineered structural steel truss solutions meeting BS EN 1090 standards with precision fabrication and professional installation. 

Steel roof truss fabrication in Nottingham workshop showing welding of chord and web members with precision assembly jigs

Steel roof truss fabrication

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Steel roof truss being lifted by crane during installation in Nottingham commercial building showing professional erection process

Steel roof truss being lifted by crane

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Completed steel roof truss structure in Nottingham showing clear span space and exposed truss architectural feature

Completed steel roof truss structure

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Engineered Steel Truss Solutions

Steel trusses provide efficient structural solutions for spanning large distances whilst minimising material usage and structural weight. The triangulated geometry of trusses—connecting top and bottom chords with diagonal and vertical web members—distributes loads effectively, achieving spans impractical with simple beam construction. Trusses suit warehouses, industrial facilities, agricultural buildings, sports halls, retail sheds, and any structure requiring clear-span coverage.

At Nottingham Metalworks, we specialise in fabricating steel roof trusses and structural trusses for building projects across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. Our truss fabrication covers parallel chord trusses for flat and low-pitched roofs, pitched trusses replicating traditional roof profiles, bowstring trusses creating curved roof lines, and lattice girders for heavy-duty structural applications. Every truss is fabricated to BS EN 1090 structural steelwork standards, ensuring regulatory compliance and structural integrity.

Steel trusses achieve remarkable spans—commonly 15-30 metres for roof applications, with specialist designs exceeding 40+ metres. This spanning capability eliminates internal columns, maximising usable floor space for storage, manufacturing, agricultural operations, or sports activities. The geometric efficiency of trusses means structural depth (truss height) is typically only 1/10 to 1/15 of the span, providing height without excessive structural intrusion.

We work with structural engineers, architects, contractors, developers, and building owners across diverse applications—warehousing and logistics, manufacturing and industrial processing, agricultural buildings and storage, retail and commercial developments, and sports and leisure facilities. Our truss fabrication integrates with modern construction methods, supporting fast-track building programmes and economical structural solutions.

The versatility of steel trusses extends beyond simple roof structures. Transfer trusses support building loads across large openings. Floor trusses create long-span floors for mezzanines or specialist applications. Façade trusses provide structural support for building envelopes. Whatever the application, steel trusses deliver proven structural performance with established design methodologies and reliable construction.

TYPES OF STEEL TRUSSES

Roof Truss Configurations


Parallel Chord Trusses

Parallel chord trusses feature horizontal top and bottom chords with web members connecting them in diagonal patterns. The uniform depth along the truss length suits flat roofs or very low-pitched roofs where visual impact of varying depth would be problematic. We fabricate parallel chord trusses for warehouse and distribution centre roofs, industrial building roof structures, retail shed covering, and sports hall roofing. Web configurations vary—Warren trusses use diagonal members only, Pratt trusses combine verticals and diagonals for specific loading patterns, and N-trusses or K-trusses provide increased web density for heavy loading. Typical depths range from 1.5-3.0 metres for commercial applications.


Pitched Roof Trusses

Pitched trusses create traditional triangular roof profiles with sloping top chords meeting at a central apex. The varying depth (shallow at eaves, deep at ridge) efficiently resists loading patterns typical of pitched roofs. We fabricate Fink trusses (W-shaped web configuration), Howe trusses (vertical and diagonal webs), fan trusses (radiating web pattern from apex), and custom pitch trusses for specific architectural requirements. Pitched trusses suit applications where roof pitch is required for drainage, snow shedding, architectural aesthetics, or accommodating services within truss depth.


Bowstring Trusses

Bowstring (or arched) trusses feature curved top chords creating graceful roof profiles whilst maintaining straight bottom chords. The arch geometry provides structural efficiency and attractive aesthetics. We fabricate bowstring trusses for agricultural buildings wanting curved roof profiles, sports facilities creating impressive internal volumes, leisure centres and swimming pools, and commercial buildings where architectural impact matters. The curved top chord can be fabricated from curved steel sections or approximated using straight segments welded at angles—your structural engineer specifies appropriate construction based on span and architectural requirements.


Lattice Girders & Heavy-Duty Trusses

Large-span or heavily-loaded applications require substantial lattice girders combining truss principles with robust member sizing. We fabricate transfer trusses supporting building loads across large openings, bridge trusses for pedestrian or light vehicle crossings, crane gantry trusses supporting overhead travelling cranes, and structural trusses for specialist applications. Lattice girders use heavier chord sections (often fabricated plate girders rather than standard sections) with substantial web members accommodating significant loads.

TRUSS FABRICATION & ENGINEERING

Precision Truss Manufacturing

Design & Engineering Coordination

Steel truss fabrication begins with structural engineer's calculations and drawings specifying truss geometry, member sizes, connection types, and loading. We review truss designs identifying any fabrication considerations, coordinate with engineers where clarification is needed, and develop detailed workshop fabrication drawings showing exact member lengths, connection details, gusset plate dimensions, and assembly sequences. Truss geometry must be precise—triangulated structures amplify small errors, so fabrication accuracy is essential.


Member Preparation

Truss chord members (top and bottom) are cut to exact lengths accounting for connection geometries. Web members are cut with precise angles at each end—even small angular errors accumulate across multiple web members, affecting overall truss geometry. All cutting accounts for connection methods: members receiving gusset plates are cut square, directly welded connections are cut to specific angles, and bolted connections are drilled accurately for bolt hole patterns.


Truss Assembly

Trusses are assembled on fabrication jigs ensuring geometric accuracy. Bottom chord is positioned and secured, web members are fitted at specified angles and spacings, top chord is positioned completing the triangulated geometry, and all joints are checked for accuracy before welding or bolting. Fabrication jigs maintain truss geometry during welding, preventing distortion from welding heat. Large trusses may be fabricated in sections, joined during installation or before delivery depending on transportation constraints.


Connection Methods

Truss connections use gusset plates (steel plates connecting multiple members at nodes), direct member-to-member welding for simpler geometries, or bolted connections where site assembly is required. Connection design balances structural efficiency, fabrication practicality, and erection requirements. All welding follows BS EN 1090 procedures with appropriate weld sizes and quality levels. Gusset plates are carefully sized and positioned ensuring load paths through connections are efficient.


Surface Protection

Fabricated trusses receive blast cleaning and protective primer coating. Agricultural buildings or corrosive environments may specify hot-dip galvanizing. Fire protection requirements determine whether intumescent coatings are needed. We coordinate finishing during fabrication, ensuring trusses arrive on site appropriately protected for their service environment.

TRUSS INSTALLATION

Professional Truss Erection Services

Steel truss installation requires careful planning, appropriate lifting equipment, and experienced erection teams. Our installation partners processes ensure safe, efficient truss erection coordinated with building construction.


Pre-Installation Planning

Truss erection planning addresses crane requirements and positioning, lifting point locations on trusses, erection sequence minimising temporary works, temporary bracing requirements, and weather monitoring (wind limits crane operations). We develop method statements and risk assessments addressing working at height, crane operations, and site coordination.


Truss Lifting & Positioning

Mobile cranes lift trusses from horizontal positions, rotating them during lifting. Trusses are positioned onto bearing plates or supporting structures with steel erectors guiding trusses using tag lines. Accurate positioning is critical—trusses must bear correctly on supports, alignment must be maintained for purlins and bracing, and verticality ensures proper load transfer. Temporary bracing stabilises trusses until permanent bracing and purlins are installed.


Secondary Steelwork

Once trusses are erected and braced, purlins span across top chords supporting roof cladding, bottom chord bracing provides lateral stability, and rafter stays or sway bracing ensure structural stability. Secondary steelwork completes the roof structure, ready for cladding contractors.


Quality Assurance

Completed truss installations undergo verification checking dimensional accuracy, connection integrity, and overall stability before handover to following trades.

APPLICATIONS & ADVANTAGES

Why Specify Steel Trusses

Steel trusses excel where long spans, minimal structural depth, and economical construction are priorities. Agricultural buildings achieve wide clear spans accommodating modern machinery and storage. Warehouses maximise cubic storage volume without columns. Sports facilities create unobstructed playing spaces. Industrial buildings provide flexible manufacturing areas.

The economic efficiency of trusses—using less material than equivalent beam construction—reduces both material costs and foundation loads. Off-site fabrication ensures quality and accelerates site programmes. And proven structural performance provides confidence in long-term reliability.

COMMISSIONING STEEL TRUSSES

Starting Your Truss Project

Commissioning steel trusses begins with discussing building requirements—span needed, roof profile desired, loading conditions, and any architectural considerations. We coordinate with structural engineers developing economical truss solutions, or fabricate to your engineer's designs.

We provide detailed quotations covering truss design coordination if required, workshop fabrication with precision assembly, protective coatings appropriate to environment, delivery coordinated with construction programme, and professional erection and installation. Typical fabrication requires 12 weeks from approved drawings, with installation taking 4-5 days depending on building size.


Steel Trusses in Nottingham

Ready to discuss your steel truss requirements?

Request Your Free Quote

Call: 0115 647 6611

Serving Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, and the East Midlands. Steel roof trusses for commercial, industrial, and agricultural buildings. Explore our structural steel services including building frames.

Frequently Asked Questions About Steel Trusses

  • What span can steel trusses achieve?

    Steel roof trusses commonly achieve spans from 10 metres up to 30-35 metres for standard commercial and agricultural applications. Specialist truss designs can exceed 40+ metres, though such long spans require heavier member sections and deeper trusses, affecting economy. The optimal span balances structural efficiency against fabrication and transportation constraints. Typical warehouse trusses span 15-25 metres efficiently. Agricultural buildings often use 12-20 metre spans suited to modern farming operations. Sports halls frequently require 20-30 metre clear spans for unobstructed playing areas. Your structural engineer determines appropriate spans based on loading, building function, and budget. Generally, truss depth (height) is approximately 1/10 to 1/15 of span—a 20-metre span truss might be 1.5-2.0 metres deep.

  • What's the difference between trusses and portal frames?

    Both trusses and portal frames create large-span structures, but they work differently. Portal frames use solid web beams (rafters) and columns rigidly connected at eaves, with the frame resisting loads through bending in the rafters and columns. Trusses use triangulated structures—top and bottom chords connected by web members—resisting loads primarily through tension and compression in truss members rather than bending. Portal frames suit moderate spans (15-30m typically) and integrate columns and rafters in a single structural system. Trusses excel at longer spans (20-40m+) but require separate supporting structures (columns or walls) to bear on. Portal frames provide simpler connection details but use more steel for equivalent spans. Trusses are more material-efficient but require more complex fabrication. Choice depends on span, loading, building configuration, and architectural requirements.


  • Can trusses be designed for heavy roof loads?

    Yes, steel trusses can accommodate heavy roof loading including suspended equipment, roof-mounted plant (HVAC units), solar panels, heavy snow loads, and walkway or maintenance platform loads. Heavy loading requires appropriate truss design—larger chord sections resisting increased forces, additional or heavier web members, reduced truss spacing providing more support points, and reinforced connections handling concentrated loads. These requirements must be specified during structural design—retrofitting capacity to existing trusses is difficult and expensive. Inform your structural engineer of any special loading during design development, ensuring trusses are appropriately specified from the outset. Industrial buildings with overhead cranes sometimes use transfer trusses supporting crane gantry beams—specialist heavy-duty trusses designed for concentrated moving loads.

  • How are trusses connected to supporting structures?

    Trusses typically bear on steel columns, masonry walls, or concrete structures through bearing plates welded to truss ends. The bearing connection must transfer vertical loads (roof dead load and imposed loads) whilst allowing horizontal thermal movement—trusses expand and contract with temperature changes. Typical connections use pinned or sliding bearings at one end (allowing movement) and fixed bearings at the other (resisting lateral forces). For steel-framed buildings, trusses often bear on column caps or haunch brackets. For masonry walls, trusses bear on padstones or wall plates distributing loads across wall width. Connection design by structural engineers ensures proper load transfer and thermal accommodation. We fabricate connection details to engineering specifications, providing bearing plates, bolt holes, and other connection elements ready for installation.

  • Do steel trusses require fire protection?

    Fire protection requirements depend on building use, occupancy, and Building Regulations. Single-storey warehouses, agricultural buildings, and industrial structures often don't require fire-protected steelwork if appropriately separated from other buildings and containing no residential accommodation. Buildings with habitable spaces, multi-storey construction, or specific fire safety requirements need protected steelwork—typically intumescent coatings providing 30, 60, or 90 minutes fire resistance. Structural engineers and building control confirm fire protection requirements during design. Where required, we coordinate with coating applicators ensuring trusses receive appropriate fire protection. Intumescent coatings add cost and require reapplication if damaged, so avoiding fire protection requirements where regulations permit reduces both initial costs and long-term maintenance.

  • Can trusses be transported in one piece or must they be assembled on site?

    Transportation constraints often determine whether trusses are delivered complete or in sections. Trusses up to approximately 12-15 metres long typically transport in one piece on standard lorries. Longer trusses require abnormal load transport (escorts, route planning, highway authority permissions) or fabrication in sections for site assembly. Very long trusses (30m+) are almost always fabricated in sections, spliced together during installation. Section joints are designed for bolted or welded assembly on site. We advise on transportation constraints during quoting, balancing one-piece delivery (faster site erection, better quality control) against sectional delivery (simpler transport, lower delivery costs). For most commercial and agricultural buildings in the 15-25 metre span range, complete truss delivery is practical and preferred.

  • What's the typical depth of a roof truss?

    Truss depth (height from bottom chord to top chord) depends on span, loading, and truss type, but typically ranges from 1/10 to 1/15 of span. A 20-metre span truss might be 1.5-2.0 metres deep. Parallel chord trusses maintain uniform depth along their length. Pitched trusses vary in depth—shallow at eaves (perhaps 0.5-1.0m), deepest at apex (2.0-3.0m for long spans). Bowstring trusses have arched top chords creating varying depth. Deeper trusses are structurally more efficient (spanning further or carrying heavier loads with less material) but occupy more building volume. Structural engineers balance structural efficiency against architectural constraints—ceiling heights, services integration, and visual impact. For agricultural buildings, depth is rarely constrained. For commercial buildings, ceiling heights may limit truss depth.

  • Can services (electrical, ventilation) run through trusses?

    Yes, services commonly run through roof trusses, taking advantage of the triangulated structure creating natural voids. Electrical conduits, ventilation ducts, and pipework can route through web member spaces without compromising structural integrity. However, penetrations through chord members or web members themselves require structural engineer approval—cutting truss members reduces structural capacity and can cause failure. Services should be planned during building design, coordinating with structural engineers to ensure service routes don't compromise truss performance. Some truss designs intentionally create service zones—parallel chord trusses with Warren web patterns create regular triangular openings suited to service distribution. Deep trusses provide generous depth for substantial ductwork or multiple service runs.

  • How long does steel truss fabrication take?

    Fabrication timeframes depend on truss complexity, quantity, and current workload. Simple projects—a dozen standard trusses for an agricultural building—might fabricate within 3-4 weeks from approved drawings. Larger projects—50+ trusses for substantial warehouses or complex truss configurations—require 6-8 weeks or longer. Fabrication includes steel procurement, member cutting and preparation, truss assembly on jigs, welding and quality control, and protective coating application. We provide fabrication schedules during quoting, coordinated with your construction programme. Early structural design approval accelerates overall timelines—late design changes can delay fabrication. For projects requiring staged delivery (trusses erected in phases), we schedule fabrication ensuring batches are ready when needed without excessive site storage.

  • What maintenance do steel trusses require?

    Properly protected steel trusses require minimal maintenance. External trusses in agricultural or industrial buildings should be inspected periodically (every 3-5 years) checking protective coating condition, particularly at connections where moisture might accumulate, at bearing points where condensation can occur, and where mechanical damage might have occurred. Damaged coatings should be repaired promptly preventing corrosion progression. Internal trusses in dry, heated buildings require virtually no maintenance beyond visual inspection. Galvanized trusses need only periodic observation—galvanizing provides long-term protection even if abraded. Connections should be checked if buildings experience unusual loads or impacts, though properly designed and erected trusses rarely develop structural problems. Agricultural buildings housing livestock require particular attention due to ammonia exposure—galvanized trusses are recommended for such environments, providing corrosion resistance that painted trusses cannot match.