building codes for nova scotia, can i use 2 x 4 to build my rafters on a 13 x 28 garage or do i need 2 x 6?
Answers:
any structure over 108 sq ft needs a building permit
a building permit requires approved drawings
talk to someone in your area that knows what their doing, before the roof caves in!
Other answers:
a lot depends on the pitch.if you use a 6/12 pitch you need to use 2x6 the lower the pitch you go the stronger you need the rafters.dint forget when you install the rafters to put in wind braces or collar beams every fourth rafter.these are usually installed eighteen inches measured straight down from the inside peak of the rafters.then measure across from one rafter to the other to get the length you need they will be some where around four feet long cut at the pitch of the roof at both ends.
a lot depends on the pitch.if you use a 6/12 pitch you need to use 2x6 the lower the pitch you go the stronger you need the rafters.dint forget when you install the rafters to put in wind braces or collar beams every fourth rafter.these are usually installed eighteen inches measured straight down from the inside peak of the rafters.then measure across from one rafter to the other to get the length you need they will be some where around four feet long cut at the pitch of the roof at both ends.
If you build TRUSSES with 2x4 and the pitch is a MINIMUM of 4/12, the roof built with 2x4 would likely pass code.
An ordinary 'rafter' construction made with 2x4 would NOT pass code. You would definitely need 2x6 if you just use 'ridge-board and rafter' construction.
It all depends on the SPAN you have to cover. You will also want to consider the spacing BETWEEN the trusses, if you put them on 16" centres, i.e. 16" apart, the structure is MUCH stronger than building on 2' (24") centres which is becoming almost 'standard' construction because it is CHEAPER.
In Nova Scotia you probably need a roof built to a minimum of a 200lb/sq.ft. snow load. Do yourselves a favour, check the CODE and OVERBUILD the roof. It will stay STRAIGHTER and last LONGER.
I don't live there, nor do I know the codes, but I've been a contractor for many years, and always consider the load bearing capability of the sub structure.
I'd never use 2 x 4 in the context you suggest, no matter the pitch.
Consider this... Place a 2 x 4 on two blocks spread apart, Stand on it in the middle. What happens? Then consider the weight of the roof above, including it's covering, and assume that you are a roof with 6 inches or more of snow on it as you stand on the 2 x 4.
The hardware used in the process, and other issues in codes certainly need to be researched.
Rev. Steven