FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

pole building lean to

pejka1 | Posted in Construction Techniques on October 2, 2005 02:04am

Hi all,

I’m attaching  a “lean to” shed to the eave side of my pole building (24’X 56′).  The 2×6 trusses extend out and create about a 1 foot soffit.  The trusses sit on top of two 2×10’s the are attached to either side of the 6×6 posts  8′ o.c.  The trusses are 4′ o.c with 2×4’s on top  2′ o.c.  Metal roof.

I would like the shed to extend out 12′ from the wall of the building and keep the same roof line.  It has a metal roof now and I would slide the new sheets under the existing roofing.  If I was to sister a 2×6 to the truss tail there would be about 1″ clearance under that to the 2×10 beam. 

What is the best way to attach the new rafters to the existing building and maintain the existing roofline?

How big do these rafters need to be to span the 12′ (will have 2×4’s over 2’o.c.)  Spacing? 24″?

Let me know what info I forgot.  Thanks in advance.

Jim

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. pejka1 | Oct 02, 2005 04:02pm | #1

    bump

     

    1. rez | Oct 02, 2005 05:22pm | #2

      hey, pejka1 knows how to bump!

      cu invented the feckless dastard 

       

      1. cawfy | Oct 02, 2005 06:31pm | #3

        bump

  2. hasbeen | Oct 02, 2005 10:11pm | #4

    What snow/wind loads do you need to build for?

    You are going to be carrying half the new roof load on the posts and beams of the existing structure.  You will probably need to beef up the beams since that side will carry substantially more weight.

    The new rafters will need to reach back onto the existing wall for bearing and will need to bear directly onto the beam.

     

    Life and suffering are inseparable.   

    1. pejka1 | Oct 04, 2005 03:07am | #7

      The plan I have so far is to sister new 2x8's next to the 2x6 trusses.  There will be extra room for the 8's since I won't be putting the styrofoam under the steel roof plus the inch that's already there.  I am going to lag screw the existing beams to the posts.  I was also going to cut a wedge/triangle to fit under the 2x8's to help carry the load down to the 2x10 beam instead of just relying on the sister nailing.

      I'm in SW Michigan so the snow load is definately an issue.  15 dead/30 live is what I'm planning on.  good enuf?  Thanks for the reply.

      Jim

      1. hasbeen | Oct 04, 2005 06:35am | #8

        Is this a permitted and inspected addition?  If so, "good enough" is up to your building inspector.

        If it were me, I'd add another layer of 2x to the existing beams and through bolt the whole works.

        But, I'm using 12" logs to span a 6' - 8" wide woodshed... 

        My idea is "how much overkill should we go for?"  and not "should we go for a bit of overkill?"

        Sounds like a nice building!

        SW Michigan...  I canoed the Pine River about thirty years ago in an aluminum canoe in the rain.  It was a blast and we were very cold and wet by the time we got out.Life and suffering are inseparable.   

  3. User avater
    BossHog | Oct 03, 2005 02:50am | #5

    If you can make the lean-to framing match you post spacing, just hang the new stuff on the existing posts.

    You can get mono trusses, use LVLs for rafters, or double up 2X lumber - Depends on your loading requirements.

    Honestly - I think sitting a pole barn truss on 2X lumber that's nailed to the posts is completely inadequate. I know people get by with it. But I don't think it's a good idea.

    Q: How do you get a lawyer out of a tree?
    A: Cut the rope.
    1. hasbeen | Oct 03, 2005 05:46am | #6

      I agree with you about simply nailing 2x onto the posts.  It's much much better to sit it on the posts, let it into the side of the posts, or through bolt.  Sitting on the posts is the best.Life and suffering are inseparable.   

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

FHB Summit 2025 — Design, Build, Business

Join some of the most experienced and recognized building professionals for two days of presentations, panel discussions, networking, and more.

Featured Video

A Modern California Home Wrapped in Rockwool Insulation for Energy Efficiency and Fire Resistance

The designer and builder of the 2018 Fine Homebuilding House detail why they chose mineral-wool batts and high-density boards for all of their insulation needs.

Related Stories

  • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
  • An Easier Method for Mitered Head Casings
  • Tall Deck on a Sloped Lot

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data