Light Gauge / Cold-Formed Steel Trusses

At Rusk, our cold-formed steel (CFS) structural systems bring together precision engineering, durability, and design flexibility. Also known as light gauge steel, this material is rapidly becoming a preferred option over traditional wood framing for many building types. Our steel truss systems are tailored to your design, site, and performance needs—providing a robust, efficient alternative for floor, roof, or hybrid structures.

What Are Light Gauge Steel Truss Systems?

Light gauge steel refers to thin steel plate that is cold-formed (shaped at room temperature) into structural members such as C-shapes, Z-shapes, or U-channels. The cold forming process ensures dimensional consistency and high strength-to-weight performance. These members are typically coated with zinc or zinc/aluminum alloys (galvanized) to resist corrosion.

Unlike heavy or hot-rolled steel components, light gauge steel is engineered for small to mid-scale applications, including residential, commercial, modular, and multi-family structures. Because the sections are relatively light, they can be handled more easily, transported at lower cost, and assembled without heavy cranes.

Key Benefits & Advantages:

• Lightweight strength and long-span capability
  High strength-to-weight ratios reduce dead load and allow for large spacings and extended spans. Limits are based on design loads, economy, and roof deck capabilities rather than material weakness.
• Sustainable and LEED friendly
  Components contain 25% recycled steel, contributing a minimum of two (2) LEED points toward green building certification while reducing material waste on site.
• Familiar construction methods
  Our steel truss systems use connection methods similar to wood, making them easier for framing crews to adapt to without specialized tools or labor.
• Design flexibility
  Capable of achieving complex roof geometries comparable to wood systems, allowing full architectural freedom across commercial, residential, and modular construction projects.
• Fire and environmental durability
  Noncombustible with excellent fire resistance, especially when paired with UL-rated assemblies, and immune to termites, rot, and mold—delivering long-term structural reliability.
• Mechanical integration
  Pre-punched chases simplify the routing of plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems, eliminating drilling and preserving structural integrity.
• Highly accurate and consistent
  Manufactured to precision specifications under controlled conditions for straight, true, and dimensionally stable results that eliminate warping, shrinking, and jobsite adjustment.

• Cost and schedule efficiency
  Prefabrication reduces on-site labor, speeds installation, and improves construction sequencing—saving time and lowering total build cost.

Rusk’s Approach & Value

At Rusk, we don’t just supply components—we deliver engineered systems. Our design phase aligns with your architectural and structural models. We accommodate mechanical penetrations, integration with rim or peripheral framing, and tailored connections to support your load path.

We coordinate tolerances, cutting patterns, and fabrication statuses to match your construction sequencing. That means your steel truss framing arrives ready to install, minimizing jobsite disruption.

Additionally, our team helps guide you through code requirements, fire protection strategies, and detailing best practices that ensure durability and compliance.

Technical Highlights You’ll Appreciate

• Optimized profiles — Our members are sized to control deflection and maximize performance under load.

• Pre-punched and drilled holes — We allow for electric, plumbing, HVAC routing without sacrificing strength.

• Corrosion protection — Galvanization ensures that your structural components remain durable in a wide range of environments.

• Compatibility with software workflows — We can accept BIM/CAD data to automate layout, fabrication, and cut lists.

• Controlled thermal behavior — While steel truss is conductive, smart detailing and thermal breaks can limit heat bridging and improve energy performance.

Applications & Use Cases

Because Rusk’s light gauge steel truss structural system is so adaptable, it’s ideal for:

• Residential floor, roof, and floor/ceiling spans
• Multi-family and mid-rise structures
• Modular and prefabricated builds
• Complex roof geometries (vaults, hips, slopes)
• Hybrid constructions (steel structure with wood or concrete elements)

Whether your project demands long clear spans, tight tolerances, or integration with mechanical systems, our steel framing delivers a reliable backbone.

Engineered for Performance and Built to Last

Light gauge steel is increasingly preferred by builders because it speeds up framing schedules, reduces labor needs, and eliminates material waste with accurate prefabrication. Unlike wood, it will not warp, shrink, or decay and meets strict safety requirements with its noncombustible performance and compatibility with fire-rated assemblies.

When combined with Rusk’s engineered system design and fabrication precision, it also offers exceptional design flexibility for long spans and modern architectural layouts—delivering a smarter, more reliable structural solution built for long-term performance.