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Live Load to truss overhang

Live Load to truss overhang

Live Load to truss overhang

(OP)
I have a W-Truss roof and want to place a basketball backboard on the eaves of the garage for the kids and worried that if it would be too much load for this type of roof. I researched everywhere on the web but could find little help on this. Could you guys point me in the right direction?

I live in Orange County, California. Do you have any recommendations on a structural engineer to consult with? I'm also thinking about adding a wall to separate my dining room from the kitchen for some privacy and from what i read on this form, should consult an SE anyways.

THanks! we computer engineers dont know everything =)

RE: Live Load to truss overhang

Attaching a basketball backboard to the roof eaves is not a good idea. You definitely need to get someone capable involve with the design of it.
As for adding a single standard weight wall to a floor system, as it is a movable wall, that is you have added it and can remove it, like a lazyboy chair. You could consider it as part of the 40 psf floor live load already designed for. Just be sure to remove it when you move or let the new owners know about it being added.

Garth Dreger PE - AZ Phoenix area
As EOR's we should take the responsibility to design our structures to support the components we allow in our design per that industry standards.

RE: Live Load to truss overhang

(OP)
Attached are some pictures

1)garage roof trusses
http://files.engineering.com/getfile.aspx?folder=4c44ac84-9c9a-4880-aefd-98d0fd6b7462&file=IMG_3282.JPG

2)eaves off garage
http://files.engineering.com/getfile.aspx?folder=7ecb4111-0cdd-441d-8176-de7302d1099a&file=IMG_3286.JPG

3)type of basketball hoop and mount that i would like to put up.
http://files.engineering.com/getfile.aspx?folder=e38e4707-b8c9-4356-9dff-f37aa3e17002&file=IMG_3285.JPG

Snapped this picture of a hoop in the next neighborhood that has a similar eaves level as ours.If not on the eaves. could i install the mount further up on the roof closer to the external wall?

Hi woodman88, would a licensed contractor be sufficient or a structural engineer be needed. Is there an independent SE listing? I googled SE and I only came up with large firms, a bit too expensive to just put up a hoop.

RE: Live Load to truss overhang

There was a time when adding a basketball hoop like this would have not been a big deal.  What has changed in the last 15 years or so (well maybe since Michael Jordan) has been the tendancy, almost the requirment, of the players to hang on the hoop. That adds a lot to the load and some moment to the wall and possible the truss connection.  

Regarding hiring a structual engineer, first check your trusses for the production tag.  The manufacturer usually tags each truss in their shop.  If you find that, you could probably go to the fabricator and have their engnineer check the load for you.  If you can't find out who made the trusses, then look for a local SE with wood truss experiance.

RE: Live Load to truss overhang

Your best option is to try and track down the original drawings and have a truss designer evaluate the design for the new loading and issue a reinforcing detail based on the original design.

The truss plates look like the omni-directional plates that the industry used more than 20-30 years ago.  You may have difficulty tracking down the original drawings if the home is that old.

In lieu of the drawing, a truss engineer should easily be able to reinforce the truss to accommodate the net.  If the consultants are too expensive, call some truss fabricators and see if they have an engineer on staff that would be able to provide you with a reinforcement detail.

 

_________________
C

RE: Live Load to truss overhang

I pretty much disagree.

Unless these guys are 250 lbs and all of them hang at the same time for hours on end - you probably will not have a problem - if installed correctly.

Based on your last photo it would appear that all the loads are going into trusses - not the overhangs.  Hard to tell.

Regardless - just make sure you spread the loads over two or more trusses.  Note the supports up the roof slope (top ones).  Install a 2x4 below the top chords of the trusses in the attic.  Screw them in w/ 3'' all-purpose screws.  Then bolt the hoop supports to this 2x4.  Use 1/2'' grade 5 through bolts with washers at heads and nuts.  Don't use lags.  Same any where else.

300 lb guys walk roof trusses everyday and unless the overhang is more than 2'-0'' or not continuous - I don't see a problem.  Note - some overhangs are "tacked on" and are not really part of a continuous top chord.  These may/will give you some problems.  Note that most truss codes in the last 30 years required that they support a 250 lb man any where.  Like a fireman doing his job.  At least that was the way we designed them....

You will probably do more damage to your shingles and from the leaks you will cause.  Caulk thoroughly - even in the holes.  

Have fun!!

RE: Live Load to truss overhang

A 16psf design live load should offset the weight of the metal hoop, leaving your major concern with vibration & man-hoop load.  
The trusses were built 25+ years ago as evidenced from the plug connector plate design and skip sheathing. The building department probably wont' have any calc records and the truss-manufactuer identity stamp is a newer requirement.
Don't drill into the trusses as this can weaken them. Instead:
Sawsall a 2x4 slot in the frieze blocking to allow;
Attach a 2x4x10' #1DF&Btr scab to existing truss top chord using Simpson SDS1/4x3" screws staggered 9"oc. The scab should extend over the bearing plate and attach to the overhang also. Provide full bearing at the top plate. Attach the hoop frame to the scabs using through-bolt & washers.
If you desire drawing or engineers stamp, contact a truss engineer. The cost should be about $100.00
http://www.Tru-Truss.US
 

RE: Live Load to truss overhang

How about avoid this type and go with the portable ones on wheels with water tank at base?  Should be able to get at garage sale for 20 bucks or so.  (Basket in picture is too close to the gable wall anyway.  Way too limited space wise to enjoy.)

I would avoid the design because of the roof penetrations.  No matter how you detail, the working back and forth from usage will open up the joints for leaks.

RE: Live Load to truss overhang

(OP)
Thanks for all the replies!

Well, after searching everywhere on the garage trusses and finding no stamps except for where the woods came from (oregon) and the type of wood used, I went into the main attic crawl space. Is it ever hot in there even at night! The last time i was in a crawlspace was when i ran cat5 lines in my parents house 15 yrs ago. Thank goodness for wireless these days. Unfortunately, there were no stamps of the truss company either. After reading your replies I realized that the house was built in 1970 and so no stamps would be available.I'm going to try to find the truss company from CityHall permitting/building dept this week.

I contacted one Structural engineer in chino hills today but have not heard back yet.  As for a rollaway or pole in ground hoop... HOA doesnt allow them.

i checked again tonight and the overhang is continuous with the top chord of the truss from the garage. it extends about 22 inches.

Tru-Truss is in norcal so its bit too far. Does anyone have any recommendations for an SE down here in So.Cal/ Orange county? Thanks.

RE: Live Load to truss overhang

Tru-Truss sometimes comes down to Southern California so don't give up on him.   He is very good.  He might like to write off the trip somehow.

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