Replies

1. 
   unclemike42 | Jun 20, 2022 05:41am | #1

   http://www.southernpine.com/app/uploads/SS_15-20L.pdf

   Use a similar table for the species and grade you will use if not SYP.

   Your lumber supplier should be able to help with sizing information.

   Size the beam for the snow loads and your building geometry.

   Would be best if you can modify your foundation plans to add an additional column under the center floor beam at the point your loft wall will intersect. If you do not plan a wall under that end of your loft, a column at that point will be required to carry the load. The load from each end of the ridge beam needs to be carried to the bedrock.

   The ridge beam for your application will be big and heavy enough designing for an 18 foot span.

2. 
   eddo234 | Jun 20, 2022 08:49am | #2

   You already said you have a 3 ply 2x12 beam. Are you asking if that’s big enough? You don’t say what the span of the beam is. Is there a post to break up that approximately 30’ span? The 8/12 pitch of a metal roof will shed snow pretty well here in Vermont. What part of Vermont? This small cathedral ceiling, in my fireplace room (as we call it) has these 2 boxed beam collar ties, which I think adds a nice look for a cathedral ceiling, whether it’s needed to prevent wall spreading or not. Here’s a truss in the cabin I stayed in this weekend which does the same thing, it keeps the open feel of the room, but provides the collar ties. Not trying to talk you into collar ties, just showing the options if you worry about wall spread.

   
1. 
   unclemike42 | Jun 20, 2022 10:59am | #4

   I assumed his three beams are under the floor, supported every ten feet by a column, and placed ten feet from each other.

   Nominal ten foot long floor joists on hangers between the beams, and then the rest of the cabin.

1. 
   eddo234 | Jun 20, 2022 02:47pm | #5

   Good point. Since he was asking about ridge beam sizing, I thought he was referring to the 3-2x12s for that.

3. 
   greg_e | Jun 20, 2022 09:01am | #3

   What are required snow loads in your area?

4. 
   rookieMatt | Jun 20, 2022 10:11pm | #6

   Thank you gents for the responses.

   UncleMike, you described the cAbin set up exactly!

   I used the load tables and came up with a 3 1/2”x14” beam for a 20 foot span. I used the highest snow load value I could find (70 pounds). Not sure but this might be overkill with a 8/12 metal roof.

   Biggest question I have is what size support column for the beam? A 4x4 post? 6x6? Could I just nail 2 or 3 2x6 studs together and embed this support into the gable wall?

1. 
   eddo234 | Jun 20, 2022 10:32pm | #7

   The quick answer is yes. A post is extremely strong in compression, so yes, a nailed up post in the wall is more than enough to support the beam. Here’s a map my Vermont insurance company created for snow loads, town by town. It’s also the chart used by the Vermont Division of Fire Safety. https://www.co-opinsurance.com/docs/default-source/annual-reports/default-document-library/vermont-snow-load-map.pdf?sfvrsn=442b6a8c_4

1. 
   rookieMatt | Jun 20, 2022 10:56pm | #8

   Thank you Eddi.

   That map is perfect! It shows Jay being in the 60 pound load zone. I guess 70 is not such overkill.

   Thanks for the support information.

5. 
   rookieMatt | Jun 20, 2022 11:09pm | #9

   Thanks for the advice gents.