Gable Roof Ridge Beam

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.

Gable roof ridge beam.

A structural ridge beam is required when independent support for high ends of rafters is necessary. 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. Steady the ridge in its approximate final position using the carpenter s square to make sure the rafters are vertical. The main elements of the gable roof layout are the ridge beam common rafters and wall plate.

I always always build trusses. Conditions for which a ridge beam is required are described after discussion of a basic gable roof. Framing in a ridge beam in shed roof construction is not hard. Although the names are unfortunately similar a ridge beam serves a much different purpose than 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. Here s a picture of a gable style shed using a ridge beam. Step 2 cut the gable end stud and hand it up. Roof slope is commonly represented as x in 12.

Measure from the bottom of the ridge to the top plate to get the length of your gable end stud. 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.