Will the beams carry the load of gazebo roof
ash03
| Posted in Construction Techniques on
Last summer buying a big gazebo was not going to happen, most were sold out and or very expensive. At the end of last summer I started to building a gazebo in my backyard. I got the basic structure complete and bought a tarp to help block the sun. This summer i want to at a metal hip roof to it, so we can use it in the rain.
It measures 16’x12′ open span. I sistered 2×8’s together for what I thought would be adequate enough to add a hip roof on top of.
The beams are 3.5″x16′ and 3.5″x12′. The four post are 6×6. Would it be ok to put a hip roof on top of this or do the beams need to be bigger? Would adding another 2×8 add to the structural integrity?
Attached is a picture of the structure. Thanks for the help
Replies
You might want to consult with a local engineer. You have not stated your desire for a slope for the roof, or what other environmental conditions this will be exposed to. (snow, wind, seismic...)
The use of your existing beams which are assembled from shorter sections may be a further challenge.
As UncleMike42 said, you really need to better define what your roof is intended to be. Then consult with a structural engineer who is familiar with your area to analyze the appropriate loads that the structure will have to endure. An open structure like a gazebo can really take a beating from wind (and climate change seems to be increasing the intensity of winds). Snow load may govern in some areas, wind loads in many others.
(CT licensed Structural Engineer)
While you are getting the beams sized remember to spec what you have holding it down. Think of an umbrella in a high wind.
How are the posts attached to the ground? From the photo it looks like they are just sitting on the pavers. At any rate, as it's framed it's under framed and your beams are undersized. There is nothing there to stop your beams from spreading and 2 sistered 2 X 8's are nowhere close to what you need. If your posts aren't 3-4' in the ground you'd be better off starting over.