Why More Buildings Are Switching To Steel Roof Trusses
In Malaysia’s evolving construction industry, steel roof trusses are becoming the preferred choice for architects, engineers, and property developers, signaling a significant shift away from traditional materials like wood.
Once used mainly in large-scale, industrial, and commercial projects due to their strength and spanning capability, steel roof truss systems are now seen everywhere especially at residential projects.
What are Steel Roof Trusses?
Steel roof trusses are the metal frameworks that support a building’s roof. Think of them as the “neck” of the roof as they hold everything up and keep the structure strong and stable.
Steel roof trusses are commonly used in factories and commercial buildings such as data centres. They make construction faster, are easy to install, and can handle heavy loads without bending or breaking.
Why Steel Roof Trusses Are On The Rise In Malaysia
This widespread adoption is driven by the recognised benefits of steel, including its excellent durability, resistance to termites and fire, and the precision and flexibility with which it can be fabricated off-site and assembled on-site and allow larger, unobstructed interior spaces, which is highly desirable in contemporary Malaysian architecture.
1. Strength and Long-Term Durability
Steel is incredibly strong for its weight, making it ideal for Malaysia’s tough weather from heavy rain to strong winds. Unlike wood, it won’t warp, crack, or expand in humid conditions, so it stays solid and reliable for decades with minimal maintenance. (source).
(Credit: NDNews Weather)
2. Design Flexibility for Modern Architecture
Steel can be shaped into almost any design; from sleek, minimalist roofs to bold, open spaces. This allows architects and homeowners to create modern designs without worrying about structural limits. (source)
Thung Hing Truss is a perfect choice as the design provides superior load-bearing strength and stability, making it highly effective in withstanding heavy winds and monsoon conditions common across the country. It is also perfect for rural or hilly areas as these steel trusses are prefabricated and easy to transport, making them great for remote builds with challenging terrain.
3. Environmentally Sustainable Choice
Steel roof trusses align with Malaysia’s growing focus on sustainable construction and is an eco-friendly alternative to wood. Choosing steel helps reduce deforestation while supporting a greener, longer-lasting building approach. (source)
One of the recommended products is the TH-Truss C-Channel. Unlike wood, which requires cutting down trees and can deteriorate over time, steel can be reused endlessly without losing its strength or quality. The production process also minimises material waste through precise engineering and prefabrication.
4. Low Maintenance and Cost Efficiency
Steel trusses are naturally resistant to termites, mould, and moisture; common challenges in tropical climates. Once installed, they require little to no maintenance, helping property owners save on long-term upkeep while maintaining safety and performance. (source)
One of our choices is TH-Truss Batten. Backed by a 50-year warranty, it’s built to last with minimal need for repairs or replacements. This long lifespan helps save energy and resources, making it a more sustainable choice that reduces environmental impact over time.
How Steel Roof Trusses Work
Steel roof trusses are designed in triangle-like shapes because triangles are very strong and help spread the roof’s weight evenly. (Source). Each truss is built using connected steel parts that form a sturdy triangular shape.
There are a few shapes of roof trusses that can be applied to your design. Each shape is carefully formed using advanced technology to make it strong, lightweight, and reliable. They’re easy to transport, quick to install, and built to last even in Malaysia’s hot and rainy weather. Amongst the most common selected shapes are Patt Truss, Fan Fink, Double Howe Truss, and Pitched Warren. (source) Learn more about the trusses here.
Applications Across Building Types
Thung Hing steel roof trusses have benefited many building types. One of the projects featuring Thung Hing TH Truss is a healthcare project for Kemaman Hospital located at Chukai, Terengganu. As a First Responder Hospital in a high-risk disaster zone, it required a roofing system that could endure harsh coastal conditions. Being close to the sea, the structure is constantly exposed to high humidity and salt-laden air, making a durable, corrosion-resistant truss system essential for long-term reliability and safety.
The second example is their involvement in the government project for Kem Terendak in Melaka. It serves as both a key training ground and an operational base for multiple military units. Given its demanding environment and the need for long-lasting, low-maintenance infrastructure, the camp required a roofing system that offered superior strength, corrosion resistance, and reliability. This project used the same Thung Hing TH Truss, selected for its excellent quality.
The Future of Roofing in Malaysia
The shift toward steel roof trusses reflects a broader trend in Malaysia’s construction industry: smarter, stronger, and more sustainable building solutions. As demand for energy-efficient and low-maintenance structures grows, steel trusses are set to become a cornerstone of modern construction.
Whether for large industrial facilities or contemporary homes, steel roof trusses offer unmatched reliability, strength, and design flexibility, a true symbol of the future of roofing in Malaysia.
At the forefront of this evolution is Thung Hing, one of Malaysia’s trusted names in steel fabrication and roofing innovation. With a commitment to quality and sustainability, we provide solutions that simplify construction, enhance building performance, and reduce maintenance costs over time.
From manufacturing facilities to residential developments, our solutions are trusted by builders nationwide for their consistency, durability, and efficiency.
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