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For many years the wood roof system was by far the most dominate form of structural systems for both large structures and small. Its availability, ease of construction, and economic efficiency made wood the roof material of choice for most large commercial structures, especially in the western United States. Throughout the last 20 years or so, ever increasing building code mandates in the area of seismic resistance has slowly eroded the cost-competitiveness of wood-framed roof systems in the commercial low-slope roof market.

Recently, engineers (including APA staff engineers) and connection fabricators developed a number of new techniques and products to more efficiently and economically meet the code-requirements, which results in increasing the viability of wood roof systems in high wind and seismic regions of North America. These same connection types ensure short construction times and provide large, near-flat wood roof systems with even greater economic advantages. These innovations, including the use of the popular panelized roof systems along with new connection details and design techniques, are making wood roofs more lateral resistant and economical than ever.