Design for run roof longer than lumber

[cheldi]

We are building a run now and struggling with design. The run will be 16 x 20 at the longest (with coop in one corner so shorter on those sides). Planning 4x4 posts, 2x4 beams at ground, halfway up, and across top. Will be fully covered in 1/2" hardware on sides and chicken wire (or hardware depending on supplies left) on the top. We have the basic of framing 4 sides, but how are we running supports across the top when the run is wider & longer than the lumber?

 

[aart]

We are building a run now and struggling with design. The run will be 16 x 20 at the longest (with coop in one corner so shorter on those sides). Planning 4x4 posts, 2x4 beams at ground, halfway up, and across top. Will be fully covered in 1/2" hardware on sides and chicken wire (or hardware depending on supplies left) on the top. We have the basic of framing 4 sides, but how are we running supports across the top when the run is wider & longer than the lumber?

Sounds like you'll need a center beam supported by posts to support the rafters.
Which would be advisable anyway at 16' is a pretty long span for a single length of lumber.
Are you going flat across....or....?
Some pics might help here.

Oh, and.... Welcome to BYC! @cheldi
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[cheldi]

Sounds like you'll need a center beam supported by posts to support the rafters.
Which would be advisable anyway at 16' is a pretty long span for a single length of lumber.
Are you going flat across....or....?
Some pics might help here.

Oh, and.... Welcome to BYC! @cheldi
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!
View attachment 3780412

Thank you! No pics as we just about finished the coop and are ready to start the run. Wasn't exactly sure of the question about going flat across but you just mean as far as cover level? Yes, though we haven't quite yet determined how we'll work it at the parts that meet the coop (coop is raised so is taller than the run will be, and site is not level). We're looking at 5 or 6' tall all around depending on pricing of the different widths of hardware cloth and availability of the 4x4 posts.
We are in Pennsylvania and live in the woods, so predators are many.

 

[aart]

Might want to rethink your run layout and it's roof.
Snow load could be a serious issue....a flat mesh roof, especially one that large is susceptible to collapse without sturdy framing support.

 

[cheldi]

We plan to have 2 center support beams. There will be 2x4 horizontal beams crossing them to support the wire roof. (This area is also in the woods and large pines block almost all snow if we ever get any)
Any advice on how to make that connection where there's a 4 way cross with 2x4's that will be connecting at the top of a 4x4 vertical support?
In my photo - the red circles the spot where a 4x4 support would be located, and will have 2x4 beams meeting there. Looking for tips on any hardware or techniques for that intersection

 

[Mike Z]

You can cover the top with deer fencing, it's strong but lightweight. You wouldn't need to to build rafter supports, it can be supported by rope, cable, or paracord. A 7' x 100' roll of deer fencing costs about $25 and you would only need half of it to cover your run.

 

[Mike Z]

You can make that connection with a Simpson Strong Tie Fence Bracket (FB24Z).

 

[cheldi]

You can make that connection with a Simpson Strong Tie Fence Bracket (FB24Z).

Thank you!

 

[aart]

We plan to have 2 center support beams.

Oh, sorry, did I miss that in your other posts?

 

[cheldi]

You can cover the top with deer fencing, it's strong but lightweight. You wouldn't need to to build rafter supports, it can be supported by rope, cable, or paracord. A 7' x 100' roll of deer fencing costs about $25 and you would only need half of it to cover your run.

thank you for that! despite living in virtual heaven for white tail deer, we didn't know about this option. may be easier and cheaper than even chicken wire