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Replacing roof beams

Worldin | Posted in Construction Techniques on September 2, 2015 09:58am

Hi there.

 

Here is my first post. Im excited! 🙂

 

Im in the process of remodelling my garage and im looking at the roof structure now. 

I dont know all the tech terms, but i basically have a 20ft long garage, with about 10 beams(2×4) going from the top of the wall and up into the center at about a 35 degree or more angle. And 2x6s going across the ceiling. I want to replace the 2×6 and put in some nice 4×6 redwood beams i got.

I want to take out the 2×6 and put in 4×6 on every other beam to give more open ceiling space. I also want to add blocks in between each 2×4 to sturdy out the roof.

 

My question is regarding the 4x6s. I obviously dont want my of to collapse so im wondering if putting the 4×6 on every other beam would be enough to support the celing also considering i will put two rows of blocking in on each roof side.

Im not sure im explaining this right. In short will my roof hold with half the ammount of beams and 4 total rows of blocking. 

 

Ill try to add pictures once i get back home. Any and all input welcome!

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  1. DanH | Sep 02, 2015 10:25pm | #1

    You need to explain why you want to do this, and, in particular, why it's not a better idea to tear down the garage and build the structure you want.

    1. Worldin | Sep 02, 2015 11:06pm | #2

      The garage is "fine", money

      The garage is "fine", money available and so on.

      The reason for taking down half the beams would be opening up the ceiling to give a more spacious feel, the way the structure is now will suit my needs perfect.

      So in terms of doability, can i do what im looking to do safely ?

      Why should i tear down the structure rather than updating the things that need to be adressed ?

      1. DanH | Sep 03, 2015 07:47am | #4

        It's not clear why a "spacious feel" is important in an otherwise unremarkable garage, making me suspect that you intend to use the space for something other than automobiles and assorted junk.

        As to do-ability, the horizontal joists are there to resist the outward pressure of the diagonal rafters.  Take away every other one (without adding some sort of substantial beam at the ridge or along each side) and half the rafters are left without support.  It probably wouldn't fall down, but it would start looking strange in 5-10 years.

  2. calvin | Sep 03, 2015 04:50am | #3

    any relation to the former NBA sharpshooter, World B Free?

    further clarification, are you wanting to expose those 4x6's?

    and drywall a vaulted ceiling?

    what area of the country, snow load/seismic?  Is there a inspection dept and permit process involved in this?

    thanks

    .

  3. User avater
    deadnuts | Sep 03, 2015 07:57am | #5

    I don't see where your proposed structural modificaiton is in the prescriptive building code. So I'd recommend doing what most reasonable folks do when they want to safely (and probably legally) make structural changes to their property: hire a professional architect or engineer.

    1. User avater
      MarkH | Sep 03, 2015 07:19pm | #6

      Are YOU a professional architect or engineer?  Just wondering because I don't really know what you are.  I'm just curious a tiny bit.

  4. florida | Sep 03, 2015 08:56pm | #7

    We don't know where you are so know nothing about wind or snow loads but I expect you don't have snow. In any case your garage couldn't be built today with 2 X 4" rafter and joists which should tell you something. I expect you'd be okay with your plan but your garage is already marginal. No problem installing braces between the rafters.

    PS- If you do install the 4 X 6s make sure you use hurricane clips or straps to fasten them to the wall framing.

  5. User avater
    Mike_Mahan | Sep 03, 2015 09:22pm | #8

    Rafter Ties

    If I'm interpreting your question correctly, what you want to do is replace ceiling joists with rafter ties. It looks like you're at 24" oc, so you'd have a 4x6 rafter tie at 48" oc instead of 2x6 ceiling joists @ 24" oc. I don't see anything wrong with this if you make sure the connections are adequate. Use straps joist to rafter and to top plate. I'd think about beefing up the rafters to 1. increase the strength and 2. allow you to insulate.

    1. Worldin | Sep 03, 2015 09:55pm | #9

      Sweet thanks mike and florida.

      The garage will be used as an entertainment area and for storage. We got some nice redwood beams for super cheap (old growth) and wanted to use them.

      I put 2x4 diagonally from the top of the rafters that wont have joists to the bottom of the rafters that will have the rafter ties to displace some of the load. In additio   beefing up the rafters and block in between.

      This is in california close to the bay so no snow here.

      The structure was built in the 50s and we have been replacing 2x4 that had termite damage. 

      Also using braces and straps on the ties. In addition i will run a 4x4 beam the length of the roof that will sit right up against the rafters where they meet in center. To add suppory but also to utilize redwood beams to make it all look pretty. The rafters will be hidden with sheetrock and the rafterties and top beam (4x4) wil be made visible to give the space a nice touch. 

      Walls will be 3/4 redwood and the top 1/4 will be sheetrock. 

      Again purpose is to have an entertainment area.

      There are some ideas of putti g in a sliding barn door, about 7ft wide on the side of the bulding but the structure might be limited. My thought was to use a 4x8 top beam in the wall and 4x6 posts on either side to frame out the support for a sliding barn door. Preferably to make the fram for the door its own structure within the structure. Any thoughts on this?

      Iv got a friend who is an architect that is helping with some of this but has experience with other material in different area of the world. 

  6. wmheinz | Sep 06, 2015 10:44am | #10

    More issues...

    If I understand this project correctly, you are going to cover the rafters and expose the new rafter ties and cover the existing wall studs.

    I don't think you'll find much of an issue with the rafter ties to replace the ceiling joists.  However, enlcosing the rafter spaces does create issues with proper ventilation to these enclosed rafter areas.  In addition, no mention is made of insulation.  Are you planning on heating/cooling this space?

    Changing the space from a garage to an 'entertainment' area is more than just worrying about the rafter ties.  It's also a building code issue.  You are now changing the use of the space from car storage to a residential occupancy.  I have to believe any place in the great state of CA would require a permit to do this.  In this case, it probably will also require you to meet all codes with any of the new work you do...including seismic upgrades...

    Another thing to verify...local zoning codes.  For expamle, in our area (Seattle region), a garage might be permitted in a front or rear yard, but not any residential occupancy.  Converting a garage in this kind of situation would also violate the zoning code.

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