How To Support Ridge Beam In A Gable Roof

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.

How to support ridge beam in a gable roof.

The ridge must support approximately one third of the weight of the roof the other two thirds are supported by the side walls. Ridge beams are required by code if the roof slope is less than 3 in 12 irc section r802 3. 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. The formula for determining the finished height of the ridge beam from the top of the slab to the top of the ridge beam is.

You will need a roof beam as a nailing surface to support the rafters. 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. Ridge beam height above top of slab height of wall z. Step 5 raise the ridge board and nail to the rafters on the marked lines.

Typically the roof beam is made by nailing together a few pieces of dimensional lumber. Move about halfway down the roof and repeat with a third set of rafters to provide support for the middle of the ridge board. Here s a picture of a gable style shed using a ridge beam.