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Stesso

Install Main Beams

1:37
12:37
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Roof Framing Math Made SIMPLE!

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What happens here

With the posts securely in place, the main horizontal beams are installed. For this 20x20 roof structure, three 5.5x12 LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) beams are used: two along the eaves (the lower edges of the roof) and one across the gable end. Due to the size and weight of these larger beams, a lift is employed to safely raise and position them atop the posts. Once a beam is on a post, it is connected using metal straps to ensure a solid and stable connection, capable of handling the roof's load.

Goal: Create the primary horizontal framework for the roof.

Tools and materials

  • 5.5x12 LVL Beams
  • Fasteners
  • Material Lift
  • Metal Straps

What they say

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supported. On an A-frame roof like this, most of the load is going to be on those outer walls. So, we're installing a 5 1/2x 12 LVL for all three of our beams here. We've got two on both eaves and then we've got one across the gable side. Getting those installed, especially if you have larger beams like that, you're going to want to use a lift of some sort to make it easier to get them on top of the post. Once the beam is on top of the post, we connect it with a metal strap. This is going to ensure that the connection is solid. And then we can proceed to the next step, which is the most important, figuring out all of our numbers and all the math behind rafter layout and roof construction. So, for this part, I'm going to bring in our trusted expert, Anthony Lombardo.

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