View Full Version : I beam for attached car port
fg19537
Dec 6, 2008, 12:55 PM
I would like to build an attached car port to my house, but would like only 2 poles to support opposite the house. Could I use an I beam to support a 25 to 30 foot length? (with tar shingle roof).
Thank you
What is the rafter alignment,is the gable resting in the beam or the rafter ends?Is this a lean-to type roof?(shed)
And what purpose are the 2 posts?Instead of a stud wall?
Back to you.
fg19537
Dec 7, 2008, 12:05 PM
What is the rafter alignment,is the gable resting in the beam or the rafter ends?Is this a lean-to type roof?(shed)
And what purpose are the 2 posts?Instead of a stud wall?
Back to you.
Lean to off the side of a ranch style house. I imagine a beam lag bolted high on the side of the house, rafters pitching down to the I beam. I am trying to eliminate the need for a lot of posts because I am going to have to plow snow between the posts.
Thank you for your response.
OK,thank you for the added info.
If you are concerned about snow removal,are you prepared for the expense of an engineered beam(pre-lam),or something similar?
How much does the open spacing mean to you?
A third post,or forth for that matter,would make it a lot more cost effective,and you could do it with standard 2X lumber,rather than expensive pre-lams or an I-beam.
Maybe a solution you can accept?
fg19537
Dec 7, 2008, 12:53 PM
OK,thank you for the added info.
If you are concerned about snow removal,are you prepared for the expense of an engineered beam(pre-lam),or something similar?
How much does the open spacing mean to you?
A third post,or forth for that matter,would make it a lot more cost effective,and you could do it with standard 2X lumber,rather than expensive pre-lams or an I-beam.
Maybe a solution you can accept?
It would depend on the cost of the I beam. Are we talking $1000, $2000? The way you are answering makes me think you think it can be done. Do you think the I beam could take
The weight between 2 post?
Thank you
While I am not a structural engineer,I can say,an I-beam(not knowing specific size) would do any length you require.
Bridges and spans of this sort are suspended for upwards of 200' with I-beams,those are very large beams!
The deflection on this span may or may not be a problem,but the cost might be prohibitive.
If you could put additional posts in,I believe you would save a considerable amount of money and effort(Ever tried to lift 30' of I-beam?)
If you are sure this is what you want,I suggest contacting a metal supplier(posts should be metal and be able to withstand the I-beam weight in combination with the decking/shingles)
And contact your local building inspector for code requirements.Plus a structural engineer for specifics on this project.
Sorry,not an easy solution.