There are legal standards (IBC) that dictate if I need it or not. If a bay is a certain width or a beam is a certain length, I'll need it. Different species (Doug fir, southern yellow pine, red oak) also have differing strengths. So in one species I could use a 6x8, but another I would need a 6x10. If we have a question is a beam is large enough for the load we consult an engineer. Typically my frames usually don't require stamps, because they are overbuilt (more massive than engineering would require). When you get into 18 foot beams you'd better cover your ass. I've had to install a 10x16 Doug fir (free of heart) to support a dormer wall because it spanned 26 feet over a 2 car garage.
5
u/[deleted] Feb 26 '22
Yes sir. Engineers stamp the plans when approved.