How To Support Ridge Beam In A Gable Roof

An interesting variation on the ridge beam system is the double beam configuration which keeps the roof peak entirely clear of beams.

How to support ridge beam in a gable roof. Ridge beam height above top of slab height of wall z. For 2 x 4 rafters use a 2 x 6 ridge board. Once the ridge beam has been positioned in place and supported by roof framing members you can determine the placement of a rafter by measuring down from the top of the beam y height and making a mark on the beam. Find the square footage of your roof and multiply this by your.

Ridge beam sizing is based on the span of the beam between supports and the amount of roof load supported by the beam. A ridge beam essentially allows us to hang a roof over the beam such that rafter ties can be omitted giving a cathedral ceiling with a completely open space below. Once again you will need to look at your local charts and use your local snow load factor to determine the maximum span for a given wood rafter size. A flush ridge beam as in the hayes residence above right by ray kappe demonstrates the same principles only with the ridge beam aligned in the same plane as the roof joists.

Square the ends if. A ridge beam is a structural member used to support the ends of the rafters at the ridge transferring it s loads to posts or gable end walls. Lay the ridge board flat and level on the ground or across sawhorses. In howe fink trusses the bottom chord is also a tension tie.

Now if you have done any looking around this site you ll quickly see that i am not a fan of using a ridge beam in shed construction. Sample maximum roof beam span table feet inches. You will need a roof beam as a nailing surface to support the rafters. For 2 x 6 rafters use.

The table below shows built up beams for 31 3 psf of snow loading. Choose a ridge board that is one size larger than your common rafters. The ridge must support approximately one third of the weight of the roof the other two thirds are supported by the side walls. The loads on the ridge beam are carried by vertical posts at the beam ends down through the building structural walls to the building foundation.

How to set the ridge board on a gable roof. Ridge beams are required by code if the roof slope is less than 3 in 12 irc section r802 3. Here s a picture of a gable style shed using a ridge beam. Typically the roof beam is made by nailing together a few pieces of dimensional lumber.