On 28 Apr 2005 05:05:51 -0700, the inscrutable "Buell Boy"
spake:

I've read a number of articles on this. One method said to use 1/2" PT
plywood 10" wide triangular shims every 24 inches to prevent water from
getting between the beams, and to let it dry out by the PT Plywood.

This seems odd to me since this would tend to weaken the beam? Does
anyone really do this? ALso I would thin kPT Plywood would be a lot
less durable than 2x10 PT? Is it really practical?


Also, let's say my header is 12' long. What carriage bolt spacing
should I use? I was thinking 24", staggered on-on-top, one-on-bottom?

I'd talk to several beam manufacturers to find one in my price range
rather than risk faulty engineering data on my or someone else's life.
Glu-lam type beams might even be cheaper than doing it yourself.

Look around for overages or cancellations from local builders, etc.

--
Don't forget the 7 P's:
Proper Prior Planning Prevents ****-Poor Performance
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