I have a 20×22 carport I am about to frame for another contractor and he is claiming that I don’t need to use the double 16″ LVL beam I normally use for this size span with no center post.
More specifically, does anyone have a size/span chart for 12 and 16 inch LVLs?
The specifics are this: 20′ clear span, 8/12 gable truss roof w/ a 3/12 porch roof on the front, 30-year Timberline shingles, and no snow load.
If I could use 12″ LVLs for these things, that would be nice, but I’ve seen them sag even over a 16′ garage door header span. BTW, the contractor claims I can use a double 2×12 beam, but I won’t even consider that.
Thanks in advance.
Jason Pharez Construction
Framing & Exterior Remodeling
Replies
The TrusJoist site has everything you need. Get the "specifier's guide" for their LVLs, downloadable in .pdf format.
Gene Davis, Davis Housewrights, Inc., Lake Placid, NY
I wouldn't consider it either
IF
the roof loads onto it
BUT
you are not clear on all the specifics
For instance, you could have the garage door in the gable end and there would be not verticle load on the garage door openning.
Another thing - ifr the 16' garage door is going into the twenty foot wall, you really don't have enough lateral bracing, unless there is specific hardware designed in which I would doubt since he hasn't bothered designing the beam load right.
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This particular question addressed a beam over the front of a 20' carport, but in reply to your comment about the return walls in a garage of similar dimensions, we normally build shear walls for those, consisting of at least two anchor bolts per return wall, "U" straps on top and bottom of every stud, and plywood on both sides of wall nailed 2" OC everywhere. I may glue the ply on the next one after hearing good remarks about it on a previous thread.
BTW, the inspectors have never asked/required me to do this, but since we build in a coastal high-wind region, I think it is prudent and well worth the small additional cost; most customers think so, too.
Thanks for the insight.Jason Pharez Construction
Framing & Exterior Remodeling
That's the kind of extra hardware I was refering to.
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