Do I need these columns to hold up the roof?
#1
03-16-14, 09:46 AM
Do I need these columns to hold up the roof?
The roof overhangs the porch by about 4 feet and the distance from the peak of the roof to the edge is about 20 feet. I'd like to remove the last column if not all of them.
#2
03-16-14, 09:57 AM
Group Moderator
With that amount of overhang I would suspect they are structural. You might be able to remove the middle two if you increased the size of the beam holding up the roof. It might be best to consult a structural engineer.
#3
03-16-14, 02:16 PM
The weight of the roof is always on the outside structure. In this case, the three posts are holding up the weight of the roof (notice the 4x8 [10"] header). Removing these posts would shift the weight to the wall with the windows. You definitely need a structural engineer to look at it to give you an answer. You might also need a building permit to make the change.
#4
03-16-14, 03:07 PM
The main reason I'm asking is I bumped into the outer one and knocked it aside and noticed the bottom is rotted out. It really hasn't been holding up anything for probably many years now.
#5
03-16-14, 03:10 PM
The problem is without a structural engineer you have no idea if it will be a long-term problem or not. The weight may all be on the wall with the windows and you can remove all of the posts. It's a matter of how the supports in the attic are framed.
#6
03-16-14, 04:34 PM
Does this house incorporate trusses or is the roof system stick built? If trusses, the entire weight is on the walls of the house. Still have that engineer give blessings. It is a small amount of money well spent for peace of mind.
#7
03-16-14, 05:46 PM
The house was built in the mid 60's in a 50 house development so I would assume they built it as cheaply as possible with trusses. Heck, they even used 2x3 studs. Now the back of the house has a similar overhang, just maybe 3 feet, and it has NO supports.
#8
03-16-14, 05:55 PM
Group Moderator
Trusses do not equal cheap. Trusses are faster, and can carry more than a hand framed roof with equal spacing. Trusses can also be engineered to do things that a hand framed roof cannot.
