Hi All,
I am working with a client on remodel of their cape cod. They want to put on an addition to allow for an open floor plan on both floors. This would require adding two beams in place of the exterior wall. The one on the first floor is simple enough. the one on the second level is tough. The way the beam would need to be installed would require hanging the ends of the rafters from the beam. This would end up with the beam loaded from one side on the bottom. The client doesn’t want the beam below the ceiling. Has anyone ever seen this done? The solution would be engineered before being implemented but I don’t want to present the solution if it can’t be done.
Thanks All
Replies
What does the rest of the roof look like?
It might be better just to redo the entire roof.
The entire roof is the same rafter set up as the existing shows. The beam would be replacing roughly 11’ out of the 35’ of the back wall of the house. If it were an existing truss roof I would consider ripping that portion out but being a cape cod, redoing the entire roof is not going to fly
How about using joist hangers for the rafters and joist connections to the beam? Load will be applied to the face of the 3x beam, by hanger design, rather than on top. The folks at Simpson would be a good resource for recommendations and guidance.
I am assuming the 3x beam is installed flush with the exterior side of the existing studs, so the existing roof structure will need to be cut back regardless.
How do you intend to address the valley created by the beam at the roof line? It seems like a good place for snow to collect, even if you flattened it.
Otherwise, install the 3x beam under the rafter /joist assembly and treat it as a feature.
Frankie
Thank you for the advice. I reached out to Simpson and they agree with the assessment you’ve made with the addition of strapping wrapping from the rafter around the backside of the beam to the joist.
As for the roof structure, the client wants maximum energy efficiency and has asked for trusses with a 12” heel height so The beam will hide right in with the end of the trusses.
Joist hangers are the way to go. load will not be on the bottom of one side, but along the face, as Frankie explained.
pick a joist hanger wide enough to support both the end of the rafter bird mouth, and the joist. ( I would contact the rafter folks to verify this will work, or if they have different suggestions)