I want to design a flat roof extension to create a screen patio. I would like to find a reference for maximum span and sizing with standard (such as SY pine) lumber for beams and joists. I'm not going to decide on final dimensions until I know whether I have to change from 2×6 to 2×8, for example, if I want joists to run x number of feet between beams — and to know how big the beams have to be. Can anyone point to an online site or a reference book for these types of calculations? I'm in Florida USA, so no snow load — but I will use some kind of steel hurricane straps/joist tie downs.
Wood – References to calculate lumber size and span for flat roof
framingjoistsload-bearingroofwood
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Best Answer
To calculate the maximum span of roof joists you first add up the Dead Load (weight of joists, roofing material, etc.) to Live Load (weight of snow) to determine the Total Load.
Your Dead Load is
I’d guess your Total Load is about 7 psf, because you have no Live Load. Then you can use a joist calculator like this one:
https://www.awc.org/codes-standards/calculators-software/spancalc
You’ll notice that the span calculator only goes down to 10 psf Live Load. This is okay for your situation because you may hang lights, hanging flower pots, etc.
So, your total load will be about 17 psf. Then try various sizes and spans until you get one you like.
If you use 16” on center, don’t forget to convert your load from psf to 16” on center by multiplying 1.33 to your psf load. (So, 17 plf becomes about 23 lbs. per linear foot on your 2x6 joist. )