building codes

MattCatlin · Mar 24, 2017

So I am building a tractor shed at my farm, planted cedars for posts and wrapped it with 2X4s to hang the siding off of. Its 25-25 so I decided to use trusses for the roof to keep it clear span. Was deciding how many trusses to use and get them ordered. Meantime I go to my brothers place to boil down some maple sap and look inside his building that's about the same size that has been there for 60 plus years. I am suddenly not too worried about my plans and I can't believe his shed is still standing. I'm not subject to any building codes and think I may buy a truss or two less.... I have a sawmill so I am using pretty thick stuff for the main headers.

David G · Mar 24, 2017

Go to a supply store that does the engineering for you, not to be guessed at.

My local lumber yard will do that.

farmerjohn · Mar 24, 2017

Just because your brothers place hasn't fallen down in 60 years does not necessarily mean it is sufficiently built or safe. Lots of people have built buildings poorly either to cut corners and expense or just didn't know any better. Building codes are a butt-cover to help the lawyers decide who to sue in case something happens. Meanwhile they make it more expensive for the do-it-yourselfers but can help prevent some shoddy work. What bugs me, for example, is our local codes say practically nothing about how to put on roof shingles or siding, but there are a 100 specifications on how to put up a stair railing. So it doesn't matter if the roof leaks or the siding is on crooked, but if you fall down the steps and somebody needs to be blamed so you can sue them, i.e. the codes are driven by lawyers.

Butch(OH) · Mar 24, 2017

I just bought a one man saw mill myself. Nice to be ale to cut what you want instead of buying what you can afford or what the lumber yard stocks.
Can't see the need for a P.E., legal counsel and certified plans for a 25' pole shed for private use on private property but maybe I live on the edge? Plenty enough info online or just copy the neighbors as your did. That is assuming the builder has reasonable skills.

casenut1 · Mar 24, 2017

In Ohio if on a farm and for ag use , building codes do not apply.

showcrop · Mar 25, 2017

Buy a couple more. In ten years when you get 16 inches of snow followed by heavy rain you will still be able to sleep.

Hay maker2 · Mar 25, 2017

If your making maple syrup then I would assume that your in snow country. Make sure that there is enough strength in the roof so you will not have to shovel snow. Also, put a good pitch on the roof to, as 5/12 is a difference over a 4/12

I built a new barn last year, my building codes said the roof needs to hold a minimum of 50 pounds per square foot. I increased it to 75 pounds per square foot and have a 5/12 pitch. I did this because just about every year someone's barn falls in due to excessive amount of snow. I know there are other reasons that contributes to that too, but I am not going to shovel snow off that roof like I do on other roofs. With the 5/12 pitch, the snow will slide off when the sun shines.

WGM · Mar 25, 2017

I agree. Building codes are for suckers.

BarnyardEngineering · Mar 25, 2017

Typical pole barn around here has an engineered truss every 4'. Then 2x4 purlins at 90 degrees to the trusses every 24" to tie them all together. We do have building codes.

tom stalker · Mar 25, 2017

A few "extra" trusses won't be that much more

Usually the framing lumber is the cheapest part of the building compared to windows, doors, etc

building codes

MattCatlin

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David G

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farmerjohn

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Butch(OH)

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casenut1

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showcrop

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Hay maker2

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WGM

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BarnyardEngineering

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tom stalker

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