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How to build a post and beam porch roof.
When the ridge beam intersects the house roof rather than a wall i extend a post up from the wall plate to support the ridge beam.
Apart to get the right locations to conform with the beams above.
Be sure you place the outer edges of the inner post 78 in.
This is crucial for the roof framing to align.
Even better is a pole foundation where your posts are embedded deep in the ground about 4 and transfer the full weight of the building directly underground.
You will need to make sure that each of the posts is plumb.
On a typical project the framer will align the rough beam with the foundation.
This tells you the size of the beam needed to support the porch s roof.
Continue installing porch roof supports.
Making the steel post supports.
Space between the inner and outer columns.
This means the example porch would need a 6 inch by 8 inch beam.
In any case go inside the attic to verify what framing is there to tie the ridge to.
You can repeat the same process using a different breadth if you want a beam that is wider or thinner than 6 inches.
While your beam size ultimately depends on design factors such as whether you include a covered roof structure or open lattice strips a familiarity with conventional beam spans gives you an idea of how far apart you can space your posts.
Usually the ridge beam can then cantilever back to the existing roof.
I do a number of things that combined tie the porch together.
Beams can be solid lumber or be built from lengths of 2 by lumber nailed together with 1 2 inch pressure treated plywood spacers in between this forms a 3 1 2 inch thick beam that is equal to the width of a 4 by post.
A key porch detail and one that is commonly botched is the alignment of the top of the post and the beam it supports.
With the first porch roof support in position you can then continue to work along the porch.
In the example d calculates to 7 75.
Outline the post locations by tracing around the end cuts of the posts.
A modified post and beam will work with pier perimeter wall and slab.
Misalignments occur when the rough and finish dimensions are not coordinated.
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If the post is not going to be perfectly level use a pry bar on one corner and shim the post before you secure it into position.
The smallest beams for patio covers are typically 4 by 6.