Remove Int. Load Wall and Place Beam
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Remove Int. Load Wall and Place Beam
Want to remove interior load bearing wall and place beam between existing ceiling joists (2 x 6's) on 16" centers and hang joists to beam w/metal hangers. Span of beam will be 17-18 ft.
Can I use three 2 x6's for the beam? I'd like to stay flush in attic with joists. Beam will support joists. Joists support sheetrock for interior ceiling. There will be cross braces resting on top of beam to support rafters and peak of roof.
Space (height) in attic is small. Would like to be able to place furnace in attic in future, so that is why I would like to go w/ 2x6's for beam if possible. Those few inches saved in height could make the difference between furnace in attic vs. furnace in closet.
Your input would be appreciated. I don't know how to calculate load of joists on beam to determine capacity of various 2x widths.
Can I use three 2 x6's for the beam? I'd like to stay flush in attic with joists. Beam will support joists. Joists support sheetrock for interior ceiling. There will be cross braces resting on top of beam to support rafters and peak of roof.
Space (height) in attic is small. Would like to be able to place furnace in attic in future, so that is why I would like to go w/ 2x6's for beam if possible. Those few inches saved in height could make the difference between furnace in attic vs. furnace in closet.
Your input would be appreciated. I don't know how to calculate load of joists on beam to determine capacity of various 2x widths.
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Hi Jeff,
You have given insufficient information for anyone to be able to answer you.
It sounds like you need to support not only the ceiling but also the roof with this beam. If that's the case then I would say that your proposed (3) 2x6's is not going to be enough.
Your best bet will be to get an Architect or Engineer to look at it. A Contractor might be able to determine the size needed, but without knowing what the joist spans are and what you need to support (ceiling only, ceiling and roof, etc) we just can't really tell you what would be needed.
That said, I doubt that (3) 2x6's would even support a relatively light ceiling for the 17'-18' span. Actually, you probably would not even be able buy a 2x6 that long.
You have given insufficient information for anyone to be able to answer you.
It sounds like you need to support not only the ceiling but also the roof with this beam. If that's the case then I would say that your proposed (3) 2x6's is not going to be enough.
Your best bet will be to get an Architect or Engineer to look at it. A Contractor might be able to determine the size needed, but without knowing what the joist spans are and what you need to support (ceiling only, ceiling and roof, etc) we just can't really tell you what would be needed.
That said, I doubt that (3) 2x6's would even support a relatively light ceiling for the 17'-18' span. Actually, you probably would not even be able buy a 2x6 that long.
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Jeff
The 3 2x6's will not handle the load. My load book is in the shop, but for 16 to 18 feet, your looking at 2x12's I think. Now, as mentioned by Joe, contact your code office or an architect. The numbers may allow you a 4 x 6 glue lam beam or something similar. This is a big span, and if you make a mistake, your roof may very well end up on the dining room table. Good Luck