Weird Carport

[lakngulf]

I think I want to build a carport, but the existing structure of my house offers only weird solutions. I am tired of our vehicles being scorched by the hot sun, and I have trees that like to drop stuff on them. I need some help. Here is what I am starting with (btw, it is other vehicles that I am trying to protect, not the old Toyota).



I am not so good with Microsoft Paint but tried to draw what I am considering. The carport would be about 23.5 x 23.5, so if the yellow lines were 3D they would extend forward 23.5 feet.
(1) I will have 4x6 post at each corner, and at least 4x4 at the center of the sides
(2) If possible, I want to tie one center post to the existing roof...will that be strong enough, or is post needed there.
(3) Would like to avoid all other posts, and that is what has me stumped. Can I purchase boards or prefab structure that would span the 23.5 feet across the front, and down the middle as the top of the carport.
(4) My plan for roof is simple 2x6 rafters, 1x4 lathe and tin to match the house.

Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[CalG]

That valley would be a show stopper here in snow country,

How can you put a pitch on it to assure drainage?

How about a "Salt box" with the short pitch up front, long pitch out back?

 

[Bigfoot62]

Just my two cents worth.
I would suggest a detached carport, with just a covered walkway connecting to the house.
And, gutters on both roofs, with underground drainage. (on the side where they are close together)

 

[lakngulf]

How about a "Salt box" with the short pitch up front, long pitch out back?

Maybe something similar to this? I like it, and major portion of carport can have same pitch as the room behind it.

 

[Bigfoot62]

That design is a bit harder to build, but it would match your roofline better.

That would put a little less water into that corner, but I still think you'll need gutters and underground drainage.

(3) Pre-fab trusses can be made for just about anything you can design. I have a hay barn built from wood (2x4) pre-fab trusses that freespans 32'. Just use a doubled 2x10 or 2x12 for a plate. (between your posts)

 

[KennyG]

Although you can create a "valley" in the middle of the roof, my experience is that it's only a matter of time until you have a roof leak there. The "right" way to do would be to build the roof up until it can intersect the main roof at a higher point. Think of using the same roof pitch you have but raising the whole thing until it intersects the main roof.

 

[EddieWalker]

Is this the only location you have to build the carport?

What is to the left of the picture where the wood walkway goes?

Pressure treated 4x6's will twist on you. Not as often or as bad as 4x4's, but all it takes is one to ruin everything. I only use 6x6's now for posts because of how often this is happening.

For what it will cost you in materials to do this out of wood, have you compared it to just buying a premade, or assemble on site metal carport? Both are ugly, but for speed and cost savings, it's hard to beat metal for something like this.

I'm assuming you are not planning on tying this into your existing roofline or structure. To do that would create other issues and expenses that I think you would be better to avoid.

To span almost 24 feet without any significant wall structure, you really need to be thinking of trusses. The size of the purlin will decide what you use for purlins. If you want to use 1x4's, then they need to be 24 inches apart. You can go 48 inches and use 2x4's on the flat, which is what I like, or you can go 72 inches and use 2x6's on the edge. If you put center posts in, you can build off of the ridge beam. Depending on the size of the beam will dictate how many posts you need to support it. I'm thinking three posts and either a LVN, Gluelam beam or doubled up 2x10's.

Don't forget the angle bracing, and remember bigger is better. The larger a triangle you make, the more support you will have and the less movement you will get.

Eddie

 

[lakngulf]

Is this the only location you have to build the carport?
What is to the left of the picture where the wood walkway goes?

Thanks for the replies. Eddie, the area to the left is septic tank and field line location.

I began this process with a totally separate area in mind, about 50 yards from house. Then, I thought if I could build this close to the house, and make it look decent, that would be better. But, alas, it will be an eyesore no matter how it is constructed (Unless of course, I brought in some help from the Tyler, Texas area).
I looked at metal structure idea, but I agree it would not look good either.

I think I will go back to the area away from the house, build it as big as I can. There I can make it wide enough to allow a post in the middle. And, I appreciate the discussion of the purlins (never heard that word before).

 

[EddieWalker]

How big is the other area to build on? You know the old saying, you can never make it too big!!!! LOL

Eddie

 

[Depmandog]

How far to the right past the Toyota can you build?

I think I would build a free standing structure not connected to the house, but would try mimic the house roofline to tie the designs together. I don't think the roofline has to be exact, but some of the house's roofline needs to show in the garage design....whether that is a fake soffit or the actual roof pitch.

This garage will create a more focused main entry to the house that would need designed through hard scape and landscaping. Whether you try and tie a covered walk way from garage to house ....it's hard to picture based of the one picture we have, but perhaps a compromise using a pergola design?