Using balloon framing and gambrel roofs to create loft space?

Started by IHDiesel73L, November 25, 2014, 10:11:36 PM

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IHDiesel73L

Hi all, I'm back again with yet another shed (and possible cabin) design.  After fooling around with pole barn ideas for a while I turned my attention back to stick building and came up with this idea.  Basically I'm looking to create a 16' x 24' shed with a loft (10' x 16') at either end.  The lofts will not only provide storage, but hopefully tie the walls together, since the braced rafter design of the gambrel roof with be imparting thrust on the walls:



I showed this drawing to my local code inspector whose reply was "Yup, looks good."   ???  I want to be sure that I'm designing a building that is going to be strong and long lasting, so I'd like a few more eyes on the design.  I should mention though that the braced rafter design is a copy of what many shed companies/kit suppliers use in my area.  Using 2 x 6 rafters and (in my opinion) very small gussets on only one side of the rafter, they rate them for 30lbs/psf snow load and 90 mph wind load.  My gussets will be 3/4" plywood on both sides with the 2x6 sandwiched in between and will also be a great deal larger.  I could also upgrade to 2 x 8s for not much more money.

rick91351

Me thinks I would not do two lofts but come across with one solid floor.  BTW to me that is a very nice size and a great idea.  You might run it by the local neighborhood truss company if there is one close.  Get some bids on some prefab trusses unless you are a die hard DIY
Proverbs 24:3-5 Through wisdom is an house builded; an by understanding it is established.  4 And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.  5 A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.


MushCreek

Barnplans dot com is a great site for gambrel roof designs of all sizes. I built my 28X48 barn with their plans. I like their principle- build the walls and loft deck, then build the trusses up on the loft. Walk them up and secure. No crane required.
Jay

I'm not poor- I'm financially underpowered.

busted knuckles

This looks like it would use less lumber to get a second floor. Compared to a gable roof. And it seems you would get more usabe space. I hope this gets more feedback. I would consider this.
you know that mugshot of Nick Nolte? I wish I looked that good.

JRR

Here's a look back into history ... early construction photos of the 16 x 20 Gambrel roofed cabin we built for daughter.  We used balloon framing with 8" walls for stiffness.  The knee walls were over two feet as I recall.  Plenty strong.  Remember that there are outward thrusts using a Gambrel roof that is an open "shell" design such as mine.  If the floor line intersects the base of the Gambrel: no problem ... but if a knee wall is included, outward thrusts remain unchecked.  Something has to resist that thrust, in my case it is the cabin end walls and the balloon framing.
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http://www.countryplans.com/redic.html
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I wish I  had current photos with metal roof,  covered porch, and outside stairs installed.  Looks pretty good.


John Raabe

Thanks JRR for reposting your project. A sturdy example of the topic design.
None of us are as smart as all of us.

JRR

Thanks, John.  The little cabin does seem to be pretty stout, but I wish I had not used the ledger plate and let the floor joists lap over the wall studs.  Would have been stronger and easier to install.  Live and learn!