30x50x16 pole barn construction

[RNeumann]

While I have full confidence in Morton and their engineers, I seriously question the use of a 2x4 on edge over a ten foot span. Their reputation of building quality buildings is well established, as is their reputation of inventing newer, faster ways to build a building. My concern is that every time that I've seen a 2x4 span 8 feet, it sags. A lot of the time it's just being stored for future use, and over time, it will sag under it's own weight.

It seems like a long ways- engineers who do truss and roof calcs seem to have their own “book”. For some reason it works.......
Same thing with standard trusses and gang nails

 

[747driver]

While I have full confidence in Morton and their engineers, I seriously question the use of a 2x4 on edge over a ten foot span. Their reputation of building quality buildings is well established, as is their reputation of inventing newer, faster ways to build a building. My concern is that every time that I've seen a 2x4 span 8 feet, it sags. A lot of the time it's just being stored for future use, and over time, it will sag under it's own weight.

In every building that I've seen, and everything that I've read, to span ten feet, you need to be using 2x8's on edge.

Keep in mind that the metal roofing has ribs on 12" centers and spaced 24" apart. You are going to have 12 screws per 2x4 purlin and 10 purlins which would give you 120 screws per 10' bay. 50 year warranty says it will work !!!

 

[ovrszd]

Keep in mind that the metal roofing has ribs on 12" centers and spaced 24" apart. You are going to have 12 screws per 2x4 purlin and 10 purlins which would give you 120 screws per 10' bay. 50 year warranty says it will work !!!

I agree with Eddie's theories. I also agree with his faith in Morton. I simply know I wouldn't attempt it in my design. I'm using 2x4s on edge spanning 4 feet.

 

[EddieWalker]

Keep in mind that the metal roofing has ribs on 12" centers and spaced 24" apart. You are going to have 12 screws per 2x4 purlin and 10 purlins which would give you 120 screws per 10' bay. 50 year warranty says it will work !!!

The metal and the screws do not support the load, the 2x4's do, and at the middle of that ten foot span, right around the five foot area is where I have my doubts in their engineers.
What I'm really hoping to see posted is that you talked to the engineers at Morton and they realized that the wrong materials went out and they are gong to ship out 2x8's right away. I'm sure it's just me, but I just cant grasp the concept that 2x4's on edge can support any sort of a load over ten feet. I'd be afraid to walk on it in five to ten years.

 

[Ford850]

My barn isn’t a Morton, but is built in a similar way only engineered for a heavier snow load (Northern Ohio). Mine has 8’ span, but with so much overlap on the 2x4’s they remain flat with no sag after 10 years.

 

[747driver]

The metal and the screws do not support the load, the 2x4's do, and at the middle of that ten foot span, right around the five foot area is where I have my doubts in their engineers.
What I'm really hoping to see posted is that you talked to the engineers at Morton and they realized that the wrong materials went out and they are gong to ship out 2x8's right away. I'm sure it's just me, but I just cant grasp the concept that 2x4's on edge can support any sort of a load over ten feet. I'd be afraid to walk on it in five to ten years.

It was my choice to go this way, I could have went with 8' span. 10' was the limit on a 2x4. They do go up to 12' on center purlins but you have to use 2x6s on edge in between the trusses instead of on top of the purlins. The key factor in this design is the trusses. You couldn't do this with a 2x12 rafter,1/2" plywood and shingles vs a truss,purlin and metal. I still scratch my head when I think about using 2x4s, but those screws and metal roofing attached to the 2x4 do stiffen it. Its the same design used in commercial aircraft structures I worked on. In individual pieces they are flimsy, but when you connect them all together with the proper hardware it becomes much more stiff. Much like builders today still want to build with 2x lumber for joists and rafters, instead of using engineered lumber which will span incredible lengths.

You can only go this way by using metal roofing panels. Its light weight and no lap joints, just one continuous length, peak to eave per 3' panel. Its 26ga metal.

If you get the chance go to YouTube and search for RR Buildings. This guy really builds nice pole barn structures. He is based in Illinois. He is what sold me on 8' and 10' span with 2x4 purlins.

As always Eddie I value your judgment and thoughts. You always give sound advice !!!

 

[747driver]

My barn isn’t a Morton, but is built in a similar way only engineered for a heavier snow load (Northern Ohio). Mine has 8’ span, but with so much overlap on the 2x4’s they remain flat with no sag after 10 years.

I grew up near Bowling Green, OH. Don't get heavy snow here in Tenn. but the Morton Rep. said if it sags do to a snow load we will rebuild the roof free !

 

[747driver]

I grew up near Bowling Green, OH. Don't get heavy snow here in Tenn. but the Morton Rep. said if it sags do to a snow load we will rebuild the roof free !

Day 4 and got 2 walls sided. It was just to muddy to do the other side, equipment kept sliding which is close to a sharp drop off.

 

[ovrszd]

Again, I agree with Eddie. The tin and screws do nothing to carry load.

I'm really surprised Morton offers this.

As to warranty. I never consider it. When my building fails no one cares but me.......

 

[ovrszd]

Thanks again for the pics!! I really like the colors!!!