microlam beam

[jimo973]

opening bearing wall 20' on ranch house to a 4 season room we are adding
off house. instead of a post/column in center of 20' opening, can we put in
what they call a microlam beam to completley open up the new space.

the ceiling in the house are 8'
any suggetstion.

thanks

jimo973@optonline.net

[Rich]

Looking at TJI's beam catalog - in that situation where it's a simple span (no columns) the most they will allow is 18'3.
Assumptions on that 18'3 is 40#LL & 15#DL with a house width of 36' - you would need a 5 1/4" x 16" Parallam. I'm not saying it can't be done but you would have to contact your local lumber store and have them design it for your specific conditions.
If it's in a gable end wall with trusses then it shouldn't be a problem.