Expert: Dave Johnson - 5/9/2009

Question
I am building a machine shed. 12' in the front, 7' rear with a 3/12 pitch. No snow here!  Pole built, 36' wide and 20' deep. Poles are 12' apart, three rows of 4. I am using 2X6 across the front, middle and rear poles, on either side of the poles and the rafters will sit on these, double supports for the rafters. Am using 2X4 purlins and a 5V metal roof.
The rafters are 12' cut to plumb in the front and 8" overhang in the rear. I plan on attaching the rafters to the 2X6 supports with hurricane straps.
Two questions, do I need more than one hurricane strap at the attaching points? Will toenail also.
Secondly do I need to do a birds mouth cut where the rafters sit on the supports? Everything is 2' OC.
Thanks in advance. Hopefully this gets through my isp spam blocker. If not I will still look for the answer but may not be able to rank or thank you. But I WILL read it!

Answer
Hi Jeff,
If you are in a high wind area, go ahead with the extra strap. If not, as long as the rafters are supported by both 2x6's you'll be fine.
Birdsmouth not necessary, but bvetter.
The only thing I don't like is the 2x6's, I'd rather see 2x8's and also use a piece of framing under the 2x8's attached to the posts.

Best of luck,
Dave
and, if you want more, mail me again.............