Roof Energy Heel

The option 1 figure to the right shows a raised energy heel.

Roof energy heel.

To create a truss with an energy heel a vertical member is added over the supporting wall and the bottom chord stops there rather than extending into the overhang. To create an energy heel in the build roof dialog check trusses no birdsmouth uncheck automatic birdsmouth cut specify the desired energy heel height as a positive raise off plate value automatically generate or manually draw the roof planes then draw and position the first truss. This is created by designing the truss with a heel height tall enough to meet the r value requirements. More importantly the raised heel provides the opportunity to increase energy efficiency to meet new energy code requirements.

Design a raised heel. The extra height of a raised heel truss roof provides additional space for uncompressed attic insulation and the full depth of insulation to be extended right to the outside of the top plate. Raised heel trusses also known as energy heel trusses deliver cost effective energy performance especially when used with continuous plywood or osb sheathing. Framing with raised heel trusses and continuously sheathing exterior walls improves structural and energy performance and offers many savings that benefit both the builder and the homeowner.

Standard heel typical truss heel height is about 4. Architectural home design software all content support videos chieftalk forum. An energy heel has a taller heel height which allows for the adequate amount of insulation to reach the outside wall and eliminate the cold spot. There are a couple of options for designing energy heels.