Building Homes or Extensions/Rafter length

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Question
"I am planning to build a carport attached to my shop. I plan on using 16' 2 x 6's, on 2' centers, from the shop to a support beam 14' from the building. Would a spread this long cause the 2 x 6's to sag?"

Answer
Hi Floyd, 14 feet is a pretty long span for a flat or minimally sloped roof of 4/12 or less.  In fact even at 4/12 you should probably use a 2x8 SYP or Douglas fir rafter..For a slope or pitch less than 4/12 or four inches per foot you might want to up that to a 2x10 or change your spacing for 2x8 to 16" centers..be sure to put the crowns up on your boards to help counteract the gravitational pull..I hope this information helps please feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com

Building Homes or Extensions

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Bruce E. Johnson

Expertise

I can answer any construction related question in regards to carpentry, concrete, drywall, masonry, structural elements of any type of building, residential or commercial. Interior or exterior.

Experience

Custom Commercial and residential buildings. Churches, theaters, schools and auditoriums. Most recently I am working with the Catholic Church on several design build committees. I have a website related to scheduling and project supervision. Although my expertise is more related to multimillion dollar commercial, educational and theatrical projects my generous credentials in residential and remodelling construction make me a viable source of information regarding all forms of building questions.

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