A Question for you Builder of Buildings types

[captain53]

What is the span (length) of the rafters and do you have snow/how much max if you do?

I think it should be fine but I am about 10 feet from a structural engineer that I can ask for you - I do concrete/asphalt.

[HK3-]

I would only worry if you got lots of snow in the winter. Arizona though.... you should be just fine. I would recommend a poured floor vs. wood. cents

[stitch]

First you have to realize where I live
There really is no "Code" ... They don't care how you build it, only WHERE you build it.
I just got back from the building Dept., I'm on hold untill they figure out what my zoning is and what my set back's need to be.
I did look into Trusses but they are Waaaay expensive here because they have to trucked in from over 100 miles away... and I'm on tight budget.
We do get snow here, I'm at 7,000 Ft. elivation, We rarly get more than 6" at a time here in the valley and it usually only lasts two or three days.
I don't want a slab floor because I work in there all day and slab floors are hard on my feet and back, And they are Cold!
The total length of each rafter will be about 11 1/2 feet. with a ridge board.
So for now I just wait ... There is no "Building" engineer around here.

[JaKaacH]

Its better to over build than rebuild..Build for 12" of snow then you never have to worry about it.

[captain53]

Structural guy had to run to a meeting, I will get you an answer in the morning.

[RGD.]

Originally Posted by stitch

. . .
The total length of each rafter will be about 11 1/2 feet. with a ridge board.
. . .

Jeff - figure out your clear span - from the ridge to where it meets the outside edge of the top plate. Then use this chart - check on the wood availability (southern pine structural). If the wood is different then let me know what type and I can run this again for you.

Southeren Pine 2x6 with 24" oc and a snow load of 20 psf = 11-2" max span.
Southeren Pine 2x6 with 16" oc and a snow load of 20 psf = 12-9" max span.
Southeren Pine 2x8 with 24" oc and a snow load of 20 psf = 14-8" max span.

If your snow load is higher, let me know that also.

In the first sentence I said use the outside edge for your span. Since you are a non-carpenter type (grins) just allow the rafter to rest on the wall and then use hurricane straps on each one. The use a tie (2x6 or 4) across each rafter. Kind of like a squatting "A" where the horizontal on the "A" is the tie. I can draw you a picture if needed.

We can either talk and I can send drawings.


Ron