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StructuralEng, Consultant
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I have a garage with a "cathedral" roof going from about 10

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I have a garage with a "cathedral" roof going from about 10' to 0'. I am thinking about finishing the high half. The garage floor is 21'L x 24'W with 2 small rooms (3' deep) along the high wall. There is an existing "beam" through the center. It consists of two 21 foot planks sitting vertical with another alongside them lying flat (like an "L" with the two on the vertical side). None of these appear to be attached to the others. They are also not attached to the 2 x 8 joists running across the garage at (generally) 16" centers.

Assuming that I make a regular room (drywall, subfloor, finish floor, some cabinets, maybe bookcases on end wall) what do I need to do or add to the center "beam" which will be part of the low-side interior wall?
Bill V.

Submitted: 12 months ago.
Category: Structural Engineering
Expert:  StructuralEng replied 12 months ago.


StructuralEng : Hi
StructuralEng : I can help
StructuralEng : Let me read closer
StructuralEng : Is this a traditional cathedral ceiling or a monoslope?
StructuralEng : / or /\?
Customer :

I've not heard the word "monoslope" but it sound like that would fit. One slope across the whole garage

StructuralEng : Before we get started I’d like to point out that a Professional Engineer’s standard of care typically includes a site visit to assess field conditions and get an overall understanding of the structure.  This can obviously not be accomplished through the internet.  The information provided here is meant for informational purposes only (general sizing and budgeting) and is based on the information provided by you.  The information should be verified by a professional engineer who can visit the site to ensure that potentially important information has not been overlooked or omitted
Customer :

ok

StructuralEng : Ok
StructuralEng : Thanks
StructuralEng : This will be a roo
StructuralEng : Room on te slab on grade, right? Not elevated?
StructuralEng : Do you have a picture that you could attach? You can use the paper clip icon to upload
Customer :

No, the room will be the second floor above the garage with the "beam" at the floor level. I have no photo

Customer :

Do you want to send an email after you finish dealing with other things? Just waiting is not on my list of fun things.

Customer :

???

StructuralEng : I'm here
StructuralEng : I lost my connection briefly
Customer :

oK

StructuralEng : Can you tell me the length that the joists would be on each side of the beam?
StructuralEng : What exactly is the span of the beam?
StructuralEng : It will only support these joists and nothing else right?
Customer :

The joists will be about 10 on each side of the beam" but they are not attached. The beam runs across the beams at right angle. The joist look like 12' long with overlapped joint.

StructuralEng : Then what exactly is the beam
StructuralEng : Going to support?
Customer :

The beam span is essentially 21' and supports only the joists. There is a semi-wall (a few 2x4 unevenly spaced from alongside the beam to the roof joists

Customer :

The beam will be attached to the joists by me and will support the floor of the room to be made on the second floor level

StructuralEng : Why will be the length of supported joists on each side of this beam?
StructuralEng : What, not why.
Customer :

about 12' on each side. Only one side will have floor, people, etc.

StructuralEng : A built up dimension lumber beam will definitely not work.
StructuralEng : You really need an LVL or a glulam
Customer :

What will? what is "LVL"

StructuralEng : LVL is engineered lumber (laminate veneer lumber)
Customer :

I will have to look that up. I assume one can purchase such things (probably custom)

StructuralEng : Yes, you can get it at any decent buildin supply store. You new a 5-1/4" x 14" LVL with min Fb of 3100 psi an min E of 2000 ksi. That just defines the properties of the beam. The buildin supply place will know what it means
StructuralEng : If you've found my answer helpful, please click the green "accept" button.  I'll be happy to answer additional questions on the topic.  If you could provide feedback, I would appreciate it.
Customer :

Actually, I know what most of that means. That must be the answer to my question. but should I replace the current dimension lumber with the new item?

Customer :

??????

StructuralEng : Yes, you should
Customer :

should I replace the current dimension lumber with the new item?

Customer :

THANK YOU. That's all I need

Customer :

You might need a better internet connection.

StructuralEng : Yes

StructuralEng, Consultant
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