Gable Roof Ridge Beam

Although the names are unfortunately similar a ridge beam serves a much different purpose than a ridge board.

Gable roof ridge beam. Framing in a ridge beam in shed roof construction is not hard. Please submit questions via email. 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.

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. Here s a picture of a gable style shed using a ridge beam. Ridge beam sizing is based on the span of the beam between supports and the amount of roof load supported by the 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. 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. The main elements of the gable roof layout are the ridge beam common rafters and wall plate.

A structural ridge beam is required when independent support for high ends of rafters is necessary. Steady the ridge in its approximate final position using the carpenter s square to make sure the rafters are vertical.