Lattice Patio Cover Building Code?

Question

We are trying to build a 14 feet by 32 feet lattice patio cover attached to the house. I searched the internet for building codes but not able to understand the meaning of what "minimum rafter size" verses "minimum beam size". what is the difference?

Answer 1

a beam is what the rafters set on...and the rafters r what holds the plywood and shingles or in ur case the lattace....email me with more info and i can help ya....

lic. gen. contractor

Answer 2

Rafter is the sloped board cut for the roof, Beam would be what the rafter rests on at the low and top ends. That's not going to be easy to understand though.

Just do this.

14' span for your flat rafters will need 2" x 10" s if you want it to look good a year from now. Put your support posts (6" x6") on 8' centers with some Y braces which cuts the span down more. Use doubled up 2" x 8" s to form your support beam along the outside front of the patio, bolt into posts, rest flat rafters on doubled up  2" x8"s.  Bolt 2" x8" into house and use joist hangers for rafters.

Install 2" x 2"s on 12" centers running the opposite way of the rafters - you need these to keep rafters from twisting, bending. I would use non treated wood and just prime and paint it good - treated wood is way to heavy as it is saturated with chemicals, and it will sag right after you put it up.

Just paint it every couple of years.