I’m building a playhouse for my kids that will be 10′ wide by 12′ long. My question is regarding the rough framing of the gable roof. I’ve seen sheds at Home Depot built by TUFF SHED and have noted that their 10’x12′ shed has 2″x4″ trusses, 24 inches on center and fastened together at the peak with with a metal gusset. Their design uses no collar or rafter ties and there are no ceiling joists. This design allows for a nice cathedral-styled ceiling look. From a structural standpoint, is this design sound? Is there a building code someone can refer me to which would justify this way of framing for an accessory building? Is there a certain minimum span that would allow for a lack of collar or rafter ties?
Thanks
Kenmif
Edited 7/17/2008 12:56 am ET by kenmif
Replies
Most places do not apply building codes to small sheds like that. there is a certain size where you do not even need a building permit. 120 s f happens to be a common maximum for that cutoff.
Such a small size roof plane means there are minimal loads that exert influence on the structure and you gain a much greater percentage of your resistance to deflection in the sheathing. One sheet of OSB nearly covers half the roof!
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Piffin,
So if I understand it, the key is the small size of the roof allows for the sheathing to resist the lateral pressures, so that in essence, the sheathing does the same job that rafter or collar ties would do for a much larger roof?ThanksKen
That sounds right to me. Addittionally , there isn't much outword thrust and the structural strength of the wall plats will hold everyhing up. Bob's next test date: 12/10/07
What Piffin said is basically true - The roof ply helps a lot. And smaller structures like this don't have much force in them.
I wouldn't lose any sleep over it. If it really bothers you put in a couple of collar ties.
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BTW - Make sure you allow for some ventilation. Play houses are typically used in the summer when it's hot. They're a lot more pleasant if it ain't miserably hot inside.
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