Steel Beam Size?

[SideshowRob]

Hello all.
This is my first time on the site, and from what I've seen it definately will not be the last.
My question is concerning beam sizing. We recently purchased a house with an attached double carport. It has been closed in and has doors on it, and I am currently in the process of prepping the floor for concrete. Currently there is two 4x4 beams bolted together, being supported by two 6x6 posts roughly 7 feet from each side of the carport. My plan is to remove the beam and post and replace with a steel "I" beam with posts on either end (which will open up the garage area) The beam length will be 23' 7". So my question is what size of beam do I need. Now, there is a loft area above the garage which will be used for storage, and taking into acount there will be a snow load, although if there is ever more than 2' of snow, I will be shovelling. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[filthy_shovel]

You should really check with local building codes as this is not something you don't want to screw with. There are tables that show what that capacity is but it would be pretty close to impossible for anyone to give you a reliable answer online, without a lot of additional detail on building loads etc. I would only trust an answer from a structural engineer who can check the house first hand. Not worth taking a chance on having your roof cave in!

A beam that length and size will require a boom to put it in place. DO you have room for that?

 

[carb454]

You could also ask the local steel yard . They sell the beams and should have a good idea of the structural load that each size beam will handle...

 

[krooser]

Ask at your local building supply yard..the pro's not a chain...they should know a structural engineer that may be able to help you.

 

[kartracer55]

You need to talk to an architect or Engineer about this one, not a bunch of guys on the internet (but welcome to the site ) A friend of ours was remodling his house and wanted to remove a center post and replace it with a big beam like you want to. Since its a load bearing beam, there are serious risks involved. Talk to somebody in person who can see everything and assess ( did i spell that right?) the situation.

Welcome to Garage junkies, Register on the map!

Jim