What size beam to use for 16' doors on polebarn?

   / What size beam to use for 16' doors on polebarn? #1  

plumboy

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What size beam to use for 16\' doors on polebarn?

Getting my poles set on a 40x64 barn and the doors are going to be centered on each 64' side.I just left the center pole out for now and can shorten it if needed.Trusses are on 8'center.I'm planning on running a 2x12 around the top outside and a 2x8 as the top plate and truss for each pole.how far can I span a 6x6 and a 2x12 as the beam?should I just plan on using a laminated beam,steel, or shorten my doors?
 
   / What size beam to use for 16' doors on polebarn? #2  
Re: What size beam to use for 16\' doors on polebarn?

I would run this question by the lumber yard that sells the Lam beams. They will engineer the proper size beam and if it fails, then the problem becomes theres. When in doubt, then over engineer it to the point that it will look over built. I have never seen a beam that was too strong cause problems, but I have seen many that are too weak cause major problems.
 
   / What size beam to use for 16' doors on polebarn? #3  
Re: What size beam to use for 16\' doors on polebarn?

I used 2 2X12's with a 3/8 thick 11" wide steel plate for the header above my door. Used 1/2" carriage bolts every 12" (staggered) top and bottom to thru bolt the whole thing. Steel plate won't sag but 2X12's will over time. Put the bolts about 2" from the bottom of the beam so they won't interfere with door operation. I had them 1 1/2" from the bottom and had to do some minor grinding to get proper clearance.

I have had experience with a sagging header and won't take that chance again!

Be sure to add 2' to the door width when you build the header and then put triple studs on each side of the door to carry the weight of the header.

BTW, you can get an 18' wide door for very little difference in price and it sure makes it easier to get into.

Bill Tolle
 
   / What size beam to use for 16' doors on polebarn? #4  
Re: What size beam to use for 16\' doors on polebarn?

plumbboy; A little more info please. Is this a pole building? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif Is the door opening in the gable end, or is it eave entry? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif What type of door are you going to install, slider or overhead. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif I could help you a bit more with that info /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Reread your post, it is a polebarn, but fill me in on the rest. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
 
   / What size beam to use for 16' doors on polebarn? #5  
Re: What size beam to use for 16\' doors on polebarn?

I have slider doors on my 40' X 60' quanset hut, what a BIG mistake. I want overhead doors!!!! Hard to lock, a pain to open. Never again!!! Can't use openers. Not weather tight, ugly, PITFA!!!!!
 
   / What size beam to use for 16' doors on polebarn?
  • Thread Starter
#6  
Re: What size beam to use for 16\' doors on polebarn?

If it was the gable end I wouldnt worry about it ,I wish it was.Its on the load bearing side(64') and more than likely I will use a slider,but may go with an overhead if the price is right.If I go with a lambeam I was going to notch into the two posts 2" and nail some 2x6 on also.So that mean the two post will have to carry their load plus this beam and the missing post's load.I set my post about 3'+ deep into very good hard clay with a 12" post hole.I put about 40# of sackrete in,then the pole and 80# bag,backfilled and tamped.How much can a post hold?
 
   / What size beam to use for 16' doors on polebarn? #7  
Re: What size beam to use for 16\' doors on polebarn?

Bill; I don't really care for them myself, but that's whatsome people like. If they're going to pay, I'll install whatever they want within reason. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
   / What size beam to use for 16' doors on polebarn? #8  
Re: What size beam to use for 16\' doors on polebarn?

plumboy; I think I would use 1 3/4" X 11 1/4" LVL doubled up. On the exterior LVL, I would thru bolt thru the pole with a couple 5/8" bolts on each end. Counterbore so they don't stick out beyond the plane of the face of the LVL. On the inside one, get a heavy angle made up, 3X3 angle should do it. Bore a couple holes in this, and thru bolt thru both LVL's. To anchor the other side of the angle, thru bolt it thru the post 90 degrees from where you bored the first set of bolts. You should thru bolt the length of the beam every 3' or so with 1/2" bolts counterbored as before. A beam this size is used up here for 18' openings with trusses on 16" to 24" on center. It may be more than you need since you stated your trusses are on 8' centers, thats quite a span for purlins to stretch.

Now that I've probably completely confused you and most everyone, talk to your local building department, it's their job to help out with the info you need for your area. Good luck, and keep us posted. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
   / What size beam to use for 16' doors on polebarn? #9  
Re: What size beam to use for 16\' doors on polebarn?

On new construction and if it's an area with code, then you pretty much have to use a laminated beam.

On many older homes, the header for a garage was made from two 2X12 with a sheet of 1/2 inch plywood nailed between them. Metal would work also, but I've never tried it. Plywood is cheap, easy to use and it works really good.

Just rip two stips of plywood to 1 1/2 inches. Get a couple tubes of liquid nails and nail or screw it all together. Don't worry about the fact that each piece is only 8 feet long. It isn't a significant issue to make any difference.

Same thing aplies to doorways and windows. Use 2X6's for anything 3 foot or less, and 2X8 for most everything larger.

I know you technically dont have to use headers on a pole barn, but I like to use them anyway.

Go for the roll up door. You will never regret haveing it. I can't say the same for sliders.
 
   / What size beam to use for 16' doors on polebarn?
  • Thread Starter
#10  
Re: What size beam to use for 16\' doors on polebarn?

So the bolting would be stronger than a 2" notch and 2x6's scabbed?For the purlins I plan on running 2x6 between the trusses with the 16' 2x4 nailed to it like an L.No building departments here but I'm in new construction in lex and will run it past some inspectors there.Not sure if they will know what the post's can handle tho.
 

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