Can I use 2@ 2x6-ft for a support beam?
4/20/2021 at 11:59:13 PM
I am adding onto my shed and want to know if 2@2x6-8ft nailed together will be enough of a support beam. The current shed is 4ftx8ft single slope. The low side of the 8ft wall is about 80" in height and the tall side is 96" My plan is to remove the 96" wall and put the 2x6 beam the length of the 8ft wall under the edge of the 2x4 truss. On top of the 2x4 truss directly above the beam will be another 4ft vertical and then the added 6ft of shed will start it's slope down to 8ft. A two tier roof line at different heights.
The beam would be supporting the current roof of the 4ftx8ft, the added 4ft of wall under the new roof line and the added roof of the 6x8ft addition. I also live in Saskatchewan so can get heaving snow loads and there is a possibility of putting 2 solar panels on it. It will be a metal roof so no sheathing.
4/21/2021 at 12:02:38 PM
If you apply the lintel table in the Building Code (Table 9.23.12.3.-C) it shows the two 2 x 6" as being adequate. However the span tables barely apply as the building is so small that you could probably get away with a 'box beam' created by the exterior sheathing (no beam/lintel at all).
Note that in the span tables there is no such thing as a 2-ply beam - they start at 3-ply and go up to 5. This building is also too small to require a building permit (under 10 m2).
4/21/2021 at 2:06:51 PM
Hi Robert,
Here's the Molto Bene Handyman answer:
Very detailed description! The double 2x6 beam you are suggested should be sufficient in this application. Just mind your span and properly secure your new beam to the concrete pad that I imagine is below so that the load is stacked directly below and to prevent any bowing in the beams over time.
Good luck!
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