New Builder - Boat shed question

[brigait1]

Hi all,

I've been lurking on this list for a while but have not had anything to contribute or ask until now. In anticipation of starting CS20 (hull#62) this spring, I've decided I will need to cover my patio since my workshop is barely 20' long. Rather than build a temporary cover, I'm going to build a permanent structure to get the patio out of the Texas heat. Here's the question, do any of you have experience building your own trusses? I will need to span 16 to 18 feet and it looks like the best way to do it is with a 4x4 pole structure with trusses to span the width. I know manufactured trusses are put together using hydraulic presses to attached the truss plates. Will a home-made truss joined with plywood gussetts have similar strength? Any thoughts on how to best approach this would be greatly appreciated.

Pete Brigaitis

Denton, Texas

[capt jake]

Will a home-made truss joined with plywood gussetts have similar strength? Any thoughts on how to best approach this would be greatly appreciated

I am not an engineer, but at the same time I tend to overbuild things anyway. Answer to the gusset question, YES, it will be stronger. It will last longer and if (God forbid) fire is ever involved, it will last immensely longer. Making a few trusses is a fairly easy project, though I must caution you to get approval from the local building authority. If they are like they are here, they will require engineering, so now you are back to the cost issue (the truss manufacturers will provide the engineering for thier product).

Kind of a catch 22 when it come to the 'codes' and legalities.

[Tim TITAN]

will the new roof be attached to the house on one side or free standing? Our building codes here are very strict, but if it's going to be attached to the house you could probably get away with just having a flat roof gently sloped to let the rain run off. no trusses. just 2x10 or 2x12 rafters. they are available in 18 and 20 foot lengths. securely attach a 2x12 to the house(bolts, lags, screws, etc..) and use joist hangers for the rafters and hurricane straps on the ends. VERY strong it will save you a heap of time and trouble and will probably be fine for the building inspecter. It will look nice too(clean and simple) and give you more ceiling height and less clutter than trusses will give you. If you wanted to finish off a level ceiling under it then you could throw in some collar ties easily. If you are going to finish the ceiling off on it, then I recommend putting in some recesed can lights to give you plenty of good lighting and keep it clean and nice looking. best to do it now, and if you know how to install them yourself, it won't cost you a whole lot. something this simple doesn't always need an architects wave of the hand. I've seen people draw it up on a napkin and hand that in to get their permits(though I don't recommend it and don't think most places would except a napkin).

[brigait1]

Thanks for the thoughts. The patio is too far from the house and therefore the cover will be free-standing. Otherwise I would probably go with the sloped attachment to the house. The reason I'm considering the trusses is that I can set them on larger centers with purlins, and use metal roofing or greenhouse panels rather than decking and shingles.

[Tim TITAN]

sounds like a plan. the plywood for the trusses should be plenty strong and you can always make the plywood a little longer/taller than the metal plates would be to add strength. I personallly don't trust those metal plates. Also, if you are going to nail it all together, use ring shank nails if you can. they hold a lot better. Deck screws work pretty good too for outside work. They are coated and stronger metal for outside use. We've had good luck with them. Well have a good build. the CS20 is a great boat. nice lines.

[COLORADO BUILDER]

One thing no one has mentioned is using plenty of construction adhesive in addition to nailing the gusset plates. Glued and nailed is a common specification for all structural members. In addition you may want to find an existing truss of approximately the same span and roof slope to use as an example for your layout. Also be sure to use appropriate uplift anchors – the amount of uplift the wind can generate is amazing (kinda like sailing ) Even if you don’t plan on getting a permit, consulting a structural engineer might prove to be cheaper than you think and better that than potentially dangerous surprises later. I think an engineer should be able to do a review of your napkin for only a couple of hundred dollars.

You say you have decided on building a permanent structure and if that’s what you want then that’s what you want. I myself am planning to erect a tented carport (my only available flat spot is in a setback so no permanent structures are allowed). I found a company in New Brunswick (www.coxventures.com) that makes all types of Poly-covered structures. The fabric is rated for 10 years against UV deterioration and the cost is almost certainly cheaper than a permanent structure. My 12’x30’ carport is about $750 plus shipping. (This has nothing to do with truss design but perhaps it is a possible solution.) And it will get you inside and building a boat that much faster?

[Frank Hagan]

Check with the local code authority first ... you may decide to change the overall dimensions or how you build to avoid triggering more stringent building codes or tax reassessments.

[brigait1]

Thanks for all the great suggestions. I went to the city offices and had a chat with the chief inspector. She has agreed to approve my plans without a formal engineering report on the trusses since the truss design comes from a publication on pole buildings. I think more than anything, the one-on-one time with the inspector is a good way to show them that you're not some wahoo trying to throw-up a half-baked shanty that will come crashing down in the first good blow. I tend to err on the side of overbuilding, so I don't anticipate any other problems with the plans. Thanks again for the help. I'll post pictures as the project gets rollin'.

Pete Brigaitis

[capt jake]

I think more than anything, the one-on-one time with the inspector is a good way to show them that you're not some wahoo trying to throw-up a half-baked shanty that will come crashing down in the first good blow

You are right there. When I was inspecting I used to call that "The personality test". If you flunked that test, the magnifying glass came out. ;)

Sounds like you have it all worked out! This got me to thinking about beefing up my carport and putting a reall roof on it (vs the fiberglass panels). I am loking into homemade trusses as well. I have lots of lumber, so hte cost shouldn't be too bad,