What is the difference between a ridge beam and a ridge board?

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 board is a non-structural member that serves as a prop for opposing rafters to rest against and connect to. Ridge boards can only be used in roofs with slopes from 3 in 12 up to 12 in 12.

Should I use a ridge beam?





Is a Ridge Beam Necessary? A ridge beam is a must for peaked roofs with a slope less than 3/12, or where a continuous tie by a collar tie or ceiling joist isn’t possible, or if the ceiling joists don’t run parallel to the rafters. A beam is also necessary if the ceiling joists are above the bottom 1/3 of the rafters.

What is the purpose of the ridge board?

[2018 WFCM] RIDGE BOARD



A NON-STRUCTURAL member used at the ridge of a roof to provide a common nailing surface and point of bearing for opposing roof rafters. Simply put, a ridge board is a non-structural nailing board located at the peak between the tops of the rafters.

How do you support a ridge beam?

The ridge beam must have adequate supports, typically provided by built-up wood columns. Columns must be sized to prevent excessive slenderness. Each column must have adequate support from attic floor framing and bearing walls below that support attic floor framing.

Is a ridge board load bearing?

Ridge boards are not load-bearing. They essentially provide a surface on which common rafters and as well as other types of rafters used in hip roof construction can lean against. They are not, however, designed to bear any structural weight and are typically thin, as little as 1 inch (25 mm) nominally in thickness.

Does a ridge board need support?





So a ridge board does not have to be supported. A ridge beam, on the other hand, is a thicker board that looks like a structural beam (because it is) and needs support at both ends and possibly in-between. It carries the center half of the roof’s live and dead loads.

How big should my ridge beam be?

Generally for 2×4 rafters, you should use a 2×6 size ridge beam, for 2×6 rafters, use a 2×8 ridge beam, for 2×8 rafters, use a 2×10 ridge beam, for 2×10 rafters, use a 2×12 ridge beam, for 2×12 rafters, use a 2×14 ridge beam, and so on.

Do I need rafter ties with a ridge beam?

Rafter ties are always required unless the roof has a structural (self-supporting) ridge, or is built using engineered trusses. A lack of rafter ties is a serious structural issue in a conventionally framed roof. In most homes, the ceiling joists also serve as the rafter ties.

Does a ridge board need to be continuous?

When a ridge board is used, the roof assembly requires continuous ties across the structure to be installed to prevent roof thrust from being applied to the walls that the rafters rest on.

What size ridge board do I need?



Choose a ridge board that is one size larger than your common rafters. For 2 X 4 rafters, use a 2 X 6 ridge board; for 2 X 6 rafters, use a 2 X 8 ridge board, and so on. The ridge board’s length will be the outside measurement of the building plus the length of the overhang, at both ends.

How do you frame a ridge beam roof?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: If you get some structure this big it's very difficult to get those rafters up there in the right spots. But just cut everything on the on the lines.

How do you attach roof rafters to ridge board?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Okay so we have our fly rafters laid out and cut and we have our common rafters laid out and cut so the last thing that we need to lay out to get ready to frame our roof is the ridge board that's that

How much load does a ridge beam carry?



Ridge Beam Example

1st floor live load: 40 psf x 12 ft = 480 pounds per lineal foot
8-foot tall partition: = 80 pounds per lineal foot
2nd floor live load: 30 psf x 12 ft =360 pounds per lineal foot
2nd floor dead load: 10 psf x 12 ft =120 pounds per lineal foot
total load: =1160 pounds per lineal foot

How far can a 2×10 ridge board span?

A #2-2×10 joist can span between 11′-5” and 18′-0”, as a rafter between 13′-9” and 21′-7”, and as a beam 3′-6” and 13′-0” or more. The span depends on spacing, lumber species, and grade, and for a beam, the lamination thickness, as well as numerous other factors.

How far can a 2×8 ridge board span?

In general, a 2×8 will span 1.5 x 8, so 12-feet. Based on all factors though, a 2×8 joist span is 7′-1” to 16′-6”, and a rafter 6′-7” and 23′-9”. In this guide, we’ll explain what span means in terms of construction, factors that impact the span, and how much weight a 2×8 can support.

How long can a ridge beam span without support?

Some manufacturers limit their beams to 60′ due to transportation issues, while others have the capability to manufacture beams up to 80′ long. So, the longest unsupported span possible using LVL would be 80-feet. Typically, though, it is common for a continuous LVL span to be between 20′ and 30′.

What size beam do I need to span 15 feet?



Thus, for a 15 foot span, you will need atleast 3-2×12 or 6×12 size of wood beam. For a 15-foot spans, the wood beam has to be at least 12 inches in depth and 6″ in width (3-2×12) used for residential building, wood frame structure or projects.

How do you hold a ridge board in place?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: You can set up scaffolding. Along the ridge or if your peak is just way too high you may have to set up some scaffolding.

Do I need a steel ridge beam?

Steel ridge beam. If you’re having an open vaulted sloping ceiling with a ridge or peak in the middle, you will need a ridge beam to stop the roof from sagging.

How do you connect a ridge board?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: To splice those two pieces together now this fish plate should be full depth or close to full depth you can see in this case I've left it low enough so it just sits underneath a rafter.