Spencer's Pole Barn Project

[Robert_in_NY]

Re: Spencer\'s Pole Barn Project

Spencer, if you will not be getting much more done for the next couple weeks you better add a lot more braces to the trusses. Any strong wind will ruin what you have accomplished. I have seen the results when not enough bracing meets a little bit too much wind. It only takes a few more minutes to add the bracing and you will be glad by having the extra sense of security that your roof will not blow over. Remember, you can never have enough bracing.

 

[beenthere]

Re: Spencer\'s Pole Barn Project

And that bracing would go on where? From top of truss to the bottom of another truss 3-4 away? I assume you want to brace them so the domino effect will be canceled, or at least controlled. Being amongst those trees will be of some help in a wind, but I think you are right on about the wind "insurance" by bracing early.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

Re: Spencer\'s Pole Barn Project

In my opionion, I would brace it every possible way. Trees do wonderful things. Sometimes they block wind, other times they make a tornado effect so you can not tell which way the wind will come from. The tops of the trusses need to be tied together. Then make cross braces the length of the roof and if possible tie a couple down to the ground if you have long enough stock or down as far as you can on your end post. Look things over as it is hard to explain with out pictures or being right there but think how can it tip and when you see how add braces to prevent it. The more lumber that stiffens the roof together the more wind resistant the roof will be.

 

[Spencer]

Re: Spencer\'s Pole Barn Project

Robert_in_NY, thanks for the suggestion. I hope that you could just not see what bracing I have done with the pictures that I had posted. I spent over a hundred dollars on lumber that was just for bracing. I went out and took some different pictures to try and show you what I have done.

First View

 

[Spencer]

Re: Spencer\'s Pole Barn Project

Second View.

I braced from the bottom of one truss on an angle up to the top of a truss that is about nine trusses away (screwing to each truss along the way). On the same web I put another brace going from the top of the first truss down to the bottom of the ninth truss. I did this on both sides of the web so for every nine trusses there are four 2 by 4's for cross bracing.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

Re: Spencer\'s Pole Barn Project

That is what I was referring to. It was hard to see in the original picture and I have seen barns blow over that had all the pealings on and such but not enough bracing. I would hate to see it happen to your barn as well as anyone elses. As you know the biggest thing is to make sure the end trusses can not move. If they can't move then the others can not move either if they are attached to the ends unless your 6x6's tip

 

[Knight9]

Re: Spencer\'s Pole Barn Project

<font color=blue>Don't even think about any type OSB for the roof.With 24" spacing,you need a good grade 5/8" 4-5 ply,plywood</font color=blue>

Why's that? My place was built with plywood but 90% of homes in area are OSB and all trusses are 24" OC. We are in a snow zone and there is no problem with the strength of the OSB.

Kevin

 

[Robert_in_NY]

Re: Spencer\'s Pole Barn Project

Over time OSB sags between the trusses. Then you have a droopy looking roof. Plywood is a lot stronger then osb and is better suited for all roof work. I dispise OSB and prefer to not have to use it at all.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Re: Spencer\'s Pole Barn Project

One reason OSB is used so much in new construction is its resistance to curling when exposed to rain. Plywood, when rained on repeatedly will curl severly. It (plywood) may be stronger (ever try to break a sheet of OSB?), but will not take exposure to weather and retain a flat look. Code in Mich calls for 1/2" sheathing with clips, no mention of plywood or OSB. All builders I know, including me, use OSB with no complaints from owners, or ourselves. Take a look at what is being used for floor joists and headers now. 1 3/4" OSB floor joists to span 18', and NO squeaks. Floors use 3/4" OSB with a lot more pounds per square inch load than any roof.
Use plywood if you want..either way, anything over 1/2" is just extra weight on your roof (adding to your dead load). Don't be afraid to do as professional builders do, they do it every day, some even care about and take pride in thier work.

 

[MReeter]

Re: Spencer\'s Pole Barn Project

Knight9,It sounds like you live in a fairly new home with newer homes in the area.Twenty years from now,take a good look at the roofs that are sheathed with 1/2" OSB on 24" spacings,and then tell me what you think.

In our area "that dog won't hunt" in a short ammount of time,you can start to see every rafter in the roof system.