[newmexdls]

I have a 2 car garage, 24'x28'. It has 2 separate garage doors and a support post in the middle, of the garage. I would like to remove the support post so a have a clear span and can open the car doors fully. The support post holds a 24' 2x12(doubled) which is supported at the ends on the perimeter walls.
Can I add to this double 2x12 to give it the strength to hold the roof joists, (2x8),16"on center with a flat roof in New Mexico with some minimal snow fall, or should I replace it with a microlam, steel I beam or what would you recommend?

 

[Gary in WA]

You should have it structurally engineered, for the load and span, locally. They would know your local snow load and situation. I would also get it permitted by your Building Department, for safety and if ever you sell the house it would be required. Be safe, G

 

[Scuba_Dave]

My local lumber company sized my beams for me for free
Also sent the plans out for an engineer stamp
You need specific software to do this
No way to ball park or guess

 

[johnnyboy]

nothing bugs me more than seeing a nice wide garage with a sag above the door, i'd go for the steel beam.

 

[hayewe farm]

Steel beam, microlam, or toothpicks. It needs to be sized by a pro.

 

[vsheetz]

I had this done to a house some years ago. My two wooden doors were needing replacement so I opted to make the alteration rather than just replace the two doors back like they were, which I never liked. The contractor I hired engaged a structural engineer who specified a steel beam. We also make a couple other minor cosmetic changes - such as changing out some too small posts on the front porch with something more proportional to the house. It all came out great - much improved the look of the house and usability, IMHO.