Roof Ridge Beam Detail

Ridge beam sizing is based on the span of the beam between supports and the amount of roof load supported by the beam.

Roof ridge beam detail.

Cad details document name pdf dwg download all cad construction details 37 1 mb 3 4 mb mc01 identification of roof areas 694 kb 167 kb mc01a single layer underlayment 678 kb 302 kb mc01b double layer underlayment 711 kb 322 kb mc02 vent pipe flashing 626 kb 349 kb mc03 valley. With this design the ridge beam bears much more load weight than the ridge board on a standard stick framed 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. The difference between them is that a ridge beam is a structural member that bears half of the live and dead loads of the rafters on either side of it but a ridge board is not structural.

Let s use this example and find a size of rafter that will work. A classic example of the exposed ridge beam structure can be seen on our magnolia. The sloped roof joists span between two pinned points. See how a structural ridge was used to tie together a 1700s ti.

Ridge beams are required by code if the roof slope is less than 3 in 12 irc section r802 3. A timber frame roof has rafters and a ridge beam as with stick framing but the ridge is a large structural beam that the rafters sit on top of or sometimes fit into notches cut into the beam. Ridge beam height above top of slab height of wall z. 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.

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. Yes either a ridge board or a ridge beam is necessary and required by the building code where roof rafters meet at the the center of their span. 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. An explanation and real world example of a structural ridge beam used to support roof rafters.

So if your house is 26 feet wide and the roof ridge beam is centered on the house you will need a rafter that can span 13 feet. A structural ridge beam is a horizontal beam placed at the peak or ridge of a roof and is designed to carry much of the live and dead loads or weight of the roof structure by itself.