I have a 30x40 pole barn with 6x6 posts that I’m adding onto the gable end. With my addition I’m using 3 ply lvl beams as truss carriers to get a 15 foot span, where my existing building uses 2x10 truss carriers nailed directly to the outside of the posts. I’m trying to decide how I want to attach my new truss carriers to the existing building.
One option I’ve talked about with a few builders and the inspector is to notch the existing posts so that the new truss carriers (1.75 thick by 3 beams) sit inline with the existing 2x10 (1.5 inch thick by 2 beams). The tricky part is when I cut the notches I’ll be in a really confined space with the existing truss carriers and truss still mounted to the post. I don’t think I’ll be able to get a circular saw in there, so I’m looking for other suggestions on most efficient ways to notch the post. I thought about using a sonicrafter but I’m worried about accuracy trying to use that. I’m also concerned getting all the old pole barn nails out of the area I need to notch.
Another option suggested to me is to nail 2x4s to the outside of the existing posts and attach the header to that instead of directly to the post. I’m a little concerned about strength with this method.
Any advice?
Example of what the notches would look like.
One option I’ve talked about with a few builders and the inspector is to notch the existing posts so that the new truss carriers (1.75 thick by 3 beams) sit inline with the existing 2x10 (1.5 inch thick by 2 beams). The tricky part is when I cut the notches I’ll be in a really confined space with the existing truss carriers and truss still mounted to the post. I don’t think I’ll be able to get a circular saw in there, so I’m looking for other suggestions on most efficient ways to notch the post. I thought about using a sonicrafter but I’m worried about accuracy trying to use that. I’m also concerned getting all the old pole barn nails out of the area I need to notch.
Another option suggested to me is to nail 2x4s to the outside of the existing posts and attach the header to that instead of directly to the post. I’m a little concerned about strength with this method.
Any advice?
Example of what the notches would look like.