Hello all,

I want to build a double carport in my back yard and I have found these plans, that look pretty much straight forward. Nevertheless, taking into consideration the carport is a complex construction, I fear the trusses might be too simple and not provide enough support.

I really want an honest opinion or to suggest me what should I do. Thank you for your help.

Check your local building codes. They should stipulate size of the material, spacing, etc. What is adequate in Texas would probably not suffice in a northern area where the snow load would be much greater.

A few things:

1. Whoever made those plans is an amateur. While they do cover all the basics I would not try to follow these to the letter. Especially in the areas of footer recommendations which will differ all around the country.

2. Solve your questions about the load in this simple way: Don't even bother trying to make your own trusses. Instead, order your trusses from a truss shop after giving them your span information. They will be able to correctly engineer the trusses to handle all the load and deliver them to your site for less money than you can buy the materials to make the trusses yourself.

2a. While you are ordering trusses, tell them you need two gable ends that drop 3-1/2" (they'll know exactly what you are talking about). Doing this will allow you to run 2x4 from the first full truss, across the top of the gable end truss and then continue for your soffit overhang. This will keep the soffit from sagging - which is what's going to happen if built from these plans.

3. As you are going to have to pull a permit for this just run whatever your plan is by the codes review person when you go to pull your permit. They will be glad to go over what is required to meet your local codes before you even start.

4 X 4's for post, no you need 6 X 6's
2 X 4's for beams, you have to be kidding me not even close, doubled up 2 X's at least would be needed.
There just showing the beams attached to the outsides of the post, nope another no go. The beams would be cut into on both sides 1-1/2 and get double through bolted.
There not showing any diaganal cross bracing.
No hurricane ties to prevent up lifting of the trusses.
Tying to use those ladder lookouts will sag, use more lumber, take far longer to build.
Remember as a kid drawing stick figures of people? That's what those plans look like just a rough drawing of the shape of a what a carport will look like.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: joecaption,

If not that big and since that is within your property, I guess no need for securing building permit. Regardless of big or not that propose plan is, I suggest that in every repair and construction needs I suggest to use Fiberglas mesh for your flooring, walls and even ceiling and this is available at Sunline EIFS and Stucco Products Company. There are various offices and the main is located in Texas. They're product is also available in leading construction supply store.

quote:

Originally posted by Andrew Smith:
If not that big and since that is within your property, I guess no need for securing building permit. Regardless of big or not that propose plan is, I suggest that in every repair and construction needs I suggest to use Fiberglas mesh for your flooring, walls and even ceiling and this is available at Sunline EIFS and Stucco Products Company. There are various offices and the main is located in Texas. They're product is also available in leading construction supply store.

And now we have moved on to spammers giving really bad advice.