HELP!! ASAP!!! Chord question

[zrxrider]

Having a 30x40 built. Got the sealed plans back and see the top chord is a 2x6 and the bottom a 2x4!?!? Looking at some other plans, I see a 2x6 on the bottom as well. Should I insist on the 2x6? Please, please help me out asap as I want to bring the plans to the town today.

 

[PAToyota]

Not necessarily - the bottom chord of a truss is in tension and can be sized smaller.

But that is assuming that you aren't planning on storing stuff up there and if you are storing stuff up there you gave that information to the designer.

 

[zrxrider]

I do want to put some stuff up there........just got off the phone with the builder and he said there is really no difference with the 2x4 or 2x6?? Thanks!

 

[rburke65]

I would think the 2x6 would be 33% stronger, no?..yes? If there IS no difference, then tell him you'll take the trusses with 2x6 top and bottom! see what he has to say then.

 

[zrxrider]

If there IS no difference, then tell him you'll take the trusses with 2x6 top and bottom!

I should be more clear......I was told no real difference in weight load, not the price. I don't know but 2x4's just seem weak. I find it had to believe 2x6 & 2x4 Chords are that close in weight ratings.

 

[Kevin54]

Most standard trusses ( web style truss) are 2x4 construction Your 2x6 rafter portion will carry the load and the 2x4 will prevent spread. If it has the "W" style support in between, you should be fine for a limited amount of weight. Now if you start storing hundreds and hundreds of pounds of items up there, then you really need a stronger truss. One that is designed for storage and not one to just hang a ceiling off of.

 

[zrxrider]

Any plus's going to the 2x6 over the 2x4? I was told its an extra $280.

 

[thammel]

No brainer - 2 x 6 would be better and woth the extra $. I have attic trusses that span 28' and they are spaced on 16" centers (usually trusses are spaced on 24" centers). I have an area in the attic that is 32' x 12' and with 7' ceiling ht. The bottom chord is a 2 x 10" and the design load is 30PSF. The bigger the bottm chord the less deflection you will get up there for whatever load you want to store. If you're planning on storing up there go for the bigger bottom chord.

Tom

 

[Stuart in MN]

I do want to put some stuff up there........just got off the phone with the builder and he said there is really no difference with the 2x4 or 2x6?? Thanks!

Did you tell the builder you were going to store things in the trusses, or did you just ask him about price? Typically, unless you specifically require it, trusses are not designed for any storage load at all beyond maybe a couple boxes of Christmas ornaments.

 

[zrxrider]

Did you tell the builder you were going to store things in the trusses, or did you just ask him about price?

I really didn't say anything about storage....... Looking at another builders trusses, they had 2x6 top & bottom so I figure it was stronger. I don't plan on putting a lot of items up there, but like the option to hold something other than air.

After sending an email, he agreed to add the 2x6's without cost.

 

[nadogail]

Are you considering the possibility that you may someday want to hang a hoist from your trusses?

 

[zrxrider]

Are you considering the possibility that you may someday want to hang a hoist from your trusses?

No, I wasn't planning on that. It would be nice but kinda thought it isn't that strong. I just want the building up now! I've been wanting something to work in sence I was 15yrs old. I'm now 35 and tired of waiting!!! I just hope everything works out and I'll be happy with it. BTW, its a 30x40x12 pole building with a 10x12 overhead and another 10x10 overhead in the rear. I'll be sure to take lots of pics.......

 

[Matti]

I've seen 2x4 bottom chords on a 30' span. It looks flimsy but it works. If you want a bigger bottom chord just up the roof loading requirement. One thing to be wary of is the weight of the truss especially if you are putting them up. It slowed my builder down. He forgot to look at the truss drawing.

 

[e-tek]

Don't think anyone's mentioned the insulation factor. 2x6 gives you more room to add R-value - if that'simportant to you. I'm guessing that maybe it's overkill, 'causeI live in the coldest clime on earth and everything is 2x4. My 24x40 shop is heated all winter and doesn't seem too expensive. But why the 2x6 up top then?
I also have two big (9x12) doors front and back: pro - you can get any car in/out any time you want....Con - there's a lot of draft-space letting air in....

 

[327-365hp]

I bought 33' trusses for my 30' garage. They are a 2x6 bottom chord and they weighed 170 pounds. That doesn't seem like much until you try and lift them up onto 10' walls. They are a W truss and there is plenty of room to store stuff up there.

 

[Ezzie]

I used a 60'- clear span truss for my shop. It was engineered for a commercial application and still uses only a 2" x 6" chord. The rafters are 2" x 8" and all the webs are 2" x 6". Worked out well for insulation with the 2" x 6" chord so I would vote for that approach. Few extra bucks for an overbuild - what the heck. Then you wouldn't ever have to worry if you store a few things up there.

 

[brownbagg]

mine is 28 X 40 and my trusses are 2x4, no problem. Trusses are highly engineer. they is no problem running 2x4.