Gable Roof Ridge Beam

A classic example of the exposed ridge beam structure can be seen on our magnolia.

Gable roof ridge beam.

Although the names are unfortunately similar a ridge beam serves a much different purpose than a ridge board. Loading conditions are detailed below. Step 2 cut the gable end stud and hand it up. Framing in a ridge beam in shed roof construction is not hard.

The sloped roof joists span between two pinned points. For example a roof slope that rises 6 inches for every 12 inches of run is said to have a slope of 6 in 12 or simply six twelve. The main elements of the gable roof layout are the ridge beam common rafters and wall plate. Definition of structural ridge or ridge beam used in roof framing.

Measure from the bottom of the ridge to the top plate to get the length of your gable end stud. Here s a picture of a gable style shed using a ridge beam. Also see assumptions for table development. Please submit questions via email.

Conditions for which a ridge beam is required are described after discussion of a basic gable roof. The ridge beam could also be flush with the joists the ridge beam is typically a larger member like a 4 x 12 and carries the gravity load of the roof joists just as the bearing wall or header does at the envelope. For each application a pdf download is available. 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.

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. One at the envelope of the structure on top of a framed wall or a header the other at the peak of the structure on top of the ridge beam. 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. Roof slope is commonly represented as x in 12.

I always always build trusses. Steady the ridge in its approximate final position using the carpenter s square to make sure the rafters are vertical. Ridge beams are required by code if the roof slope is less than 3 in 12 irc section r802 3. Refer to sfpa s publication southern pine headers beams download in publications that includes all size selection and allowable load tables.

A ridge beam occupies the same position as a ridge board but it is fabricated from heavier lumber and unlike a ridge board it is supported at the gable ends by structural columns.