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Another Load Baring Wall Opening QuestionFrom: mfeik@comporium.net
Category: Structural
Remote Name: 199.222.162.117
Date: 07 Jan 2005
Time: 04:44 PM
CommentsI built a work shed recently for my father who against my advice insisted that 8’x16’ would be adequate. I am now facing the task of adding an addition of about 6’x14’ off one of the 16’ walls. There is one 16’ wall that has no openings (windows or doors) and I am looking to keep about a foot at each corner, giving an opening of about 14 feet. I thought this approach would be easier on me than trying to extend the width of the shed at the existing corners (I could be wrong about that and if I am then I’m looking to make a 16’ span). Fortunately the ceiling height (top of top plates) is 8’-3 ˝ “ which will allow for a sloped roof on the addition without having to duck at the far wall. I’m clueless as to what the live load is for my area but suspect its low (I’m in South Carolina just south of Charlotte, S.C. and it rarely snows). As for dead load (which I also don’t know), the roof pitch is 7”/12” (rise/run) w/ 24”oc rafters (2x4), 5/8” plywood sheeting, and just paper and singles for roofing. There is also a 12” over hang on both sides.
I really do not want to have to put any support in the center of the opening I’m looking to create. My question is then what do I need to do/use to span a 14’ opening in a load-baring wall? Will two 2x12x15 inch pine planks provide sufficient support? The reason I am thinking of retaining some portion of each end of the existing 16’ wall is to allow me to put the vertical supports to hold up whatever I end up using to span the opening. I would rather build it with excessive strength than close to the minimum required. Perhaps some type of metal I-beam is needed?
Hopefully I’ve provided enough info to get a good answer.
Thanks In Advance,
M Feik
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