Gable Roof Ridge Beam

The main elements of the gable roof layout are the ridge beam common rafters and wall plate.

Gable roof ridge beam.

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. Conditions for which a ridge beam is required are described after discussion of a basic gable roof. 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. Roof slope is commonly represented as x in 12. Step 2 cut the gable end stud and hand it up. 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.

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. Here s a picture of a gable style shed using a ridge beam. Ridge beams are required by code if the roof slope is less than 3 in 12 irc section r802 3. 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. Framing in a ridge beam in shed roof construction is not hard.