Hi all I haven’t posted much but have lurking the forum for a while. I have a small barn on my property that I want to turn in to a shop. Main issue I’m finding is trying to figure out what to do about the posts on the middle of the building. They are there supporting the loft but also look like they may be providing some support for the roof as well. Here are a couple pics of what I’m dealing with. If anyone has some input it would be greatly appreciated! Thanks
Turning small barn to shop
- Thread starter JoshW
- Start date
Tman
Well-known member
Looks like you are stuck with the posts. I see no issues. Build around them
I don't see how that will be possible. The roof rafters basically sit headers attached to those posts.
csp
Well-known member
Replace the headers that run from front to rear with steel.
if you look at the line of to posts from side to side, you put a post on the outside wall and run a beam to the other wall. You then run a post from the top of the new beam to the rafter for support. Basic Post and beam structure. I am not sure one the engineering for using wood for 24', but I think one of those new wood I beams could do it. Might want to go with steel to handle snow loads.
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I've only looked at the pictures on my phone, so maybe I am missing something.
The barn appears to me to be built like a monitor barn, just not having a higher center roofline.
To span that 30' with a steel beam is going to take a large beam. Those are going to need large posts to sit on.
To reframe that roof line with wood beams and post frame is going to expensive and a chore as well.
Nothing against the OP, but I would guess that he doesn't have the skills or tools to do either. If he does, great, I would like to follow along with the project as he does it.
As for cost of doing so, if he has to hire it done, he would be deep in it financially. It might be better off money wise, if that is the case, to put up a new garage.
Hmm, looked at it again, it looks like all the rafter supports are not the same. I was looking at the middle one. I think if you moved all the posts out 2' it would not change the engineering too much. use the existing lumber and maybe bolts in stead of nails. you would just need 4 additional cross 2x8" to match the center structure. I guessed at the dimensions but you get the idea. 
If it was mine I would be inclined to live with it.
Next best DIY option would be to build box beam at the top of the interior post line. Once complete cut the posts off. Will need to make sure the footings at the end can support everything. Alternative is a commercially sourced parallel chord truss in place of the box beam.
Next best DIY option would be to build box beam at the top of the interior post line. Once complete cut the posts off. Will need to make sure the footings at the end can support everything. Alternative is a commercially sourced parallel chord truss in place of the box beam.
I do have the skills and tools to do the job, but I’m no engineer so I’m trying to get some input on the best way to remove the posts. I’ve already been thinking of moving the posts to the outside walls and putting beams across just thought I would see if there was any other ideas out there. Thanks
This is kinda the idea I’ve had in my head. Something similar to this is probably the route I’ll end up going. Thanks for the input!Hmm, looked at it again, it looks like all the rafter supports are not the same. I was looking at the middle one. I think if you moved all the posts out 2' it would not change the engineering too much. use the existing lumber and maybe bolts in stead of nails. you would just need 4 additional cross 2x8" to match the center structure. I guessed at the dimensions but you get the idea.
The roof was built with rafters to small for the roof load. The solution was to split the rafter span with a purlin. Now you have to support that purlin so now we have the posts.
One solution would be to replace the rafter ties with beams capable of carrying the roof load from the purlins. Now the posts could be removed.
One solution would be to replace the rafter ties with beams capable of carrying the roof load from the purlins. Now the posts could be removed.
csp
Well-known member
Agreed, they would be very large beams and posts. A post in the middle would help a lot if that's an option for the OP.
My 24x45 has poles down the middle and I've often wanted to figure out what size beam would be needed to span the 24' dimension to eliminate them. Haven't gotten that far yet, however.
In looking at the structure? I would consider “kinda taking it down and doing it right bu reusing some of the same materials. I am not a builder or engineer but if you sister another 2x4 to the originals in the rafters…. Then tie them together at the midpoints. Just a thought. I have a metal building the same size that I am saving. Keeping the roof untill prices come down and replacing 50 year ild metal siding wit rough cut board and batten.
SweetD
Well-known member
If you can DIY the work, pay an engineer to come up with what you need. It would really be worth it. I hope you keep us in the loop with your build, great project!
I have considered talking with an engineer about it. I will try to keep updated as the project moves forward.
Well if you have the skills and tools, you just need the sweat equity. Take plenty of pics if you start the project.