Are you making a 2 story ?

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For what we are trying to do baloon framing is by far preferable. This eliminates the hinge point in the sidewalls where the 2nd story ( or loft wall ) is joined. If you scroll back in this thread Mike and I and others discussed let in bracing. I feel this is very important to any structure that will be experiencing high wind shear loads. There are some good cut away pics of the framing of a small building. If you are installing a loft a cripple ( short stud) can be nailed to the full length stud and a floor joist can rest on it and a correspondind stud on the opposite side. This transfers the floor load of the loft back to the ground floor frameing.
As to shingles WHY ?
A metal roof is actually lighter than a shingled roof. Remember a shingled roof winds up being 2 layers because each overlaps the other 1/2 way. A metal roof can be installed on perlins 2 to 3 feet apart where as a shingled roof needs solid sheating underneath. The steel comes in 20 or 30 beautiful colors and looks great for years.
Well it's all your fault you asked
Let us know more about your plans.
