Advice on Leanto

Davidgm · Jun 5, 2010

Hello,

I would like some advice on how to attach a Leanto to the metal siding on the side of my garage. I have had two suggestions. One is to cut the metal to attach the ledger beam. The other was to attach the beam directly across the siding. I've also thought about making it free standing while some how attaching it to the siding for stabilization. I would like to go out about 10' down the whole length of the building about 40'. My goal is to get some storage room for my tractor attachments - bush hog, scraper blade, small trailer, 3 pt snowblower, maybe even my riding mowers, etc.... Thanks for any advice!!!

herd · Jun 5, 2010

Davidgm said:
Hello,

I would like some advice on how to attach a Leanto to the metal siding on the side of my garage. I have had two suggestions. One is to cut the metal to attach the ledger beam. The other was to attach the beam directly across the siding. I've also thought about making it free standing while some how attaching it to the siding for stabilization. I would like to go out about 10' down the whole length of the building about 40'. My goal is to get some storage room for my tractor attachments - bush hog, scraper blade, small trailer, 3 pt snowblower, maybe even my riding mowers, etc.... Thanks for any advice!!!

I would not attach the ledger beam directly to the metal, seems like a sure invitation to moisture penetration. I am planning on something similar and I do believe that cutting the metal and flashing as well as counter-flashing is the best way to go.

beenthere · Jun 6, 2010

herd has the right way to do it.
A good flashing job will be quite important to keeping moisture from making contact with your ledger board. If it gets wet, and the wood attached to it, it will be a short-life shed.

Instead of a lean-to, why not just extend the building...roof line and all. Might look the best and not be much more expensive. Don't need to enclose it, just make it like a carport (roof on posts).

Willl · Jun 6, 2010

I did something like this with my well house/dog pen lean-to on my pole-garage.

Used ply spacers to bring the ledger out away from the formed metal and lag bolted it.

Used matching side panels for roof and walls. Didn't trim roof panels to match sides so there is a small gap.

Want pics ?

alchemysa · Jun 6, 2010

I recently built a lean-to behind my garage. Mine was basically free standing and I did not bother to flash the gap. But in your case (because of the length) I'd probably attach the ledger directly to the garage using spacers to keep the ledger a few inches away from the siding. But really the ledger is only a small part of the structure. You'll also need at least 4 posts on the outer, plus rafters running out to those posts and at least a couple of purlins running the full length probably sitting on top of the rafters. You'll need to consider the slope and how all these bits will connect together. If you want to fill in one or both ends you'll have more girts and posts to attach.

I'd definitely visit a few garage builders for ideas. Thats actually quite a significant structure you are considering. No need to reinvent the wheel. They may already have 'the answers' you need.