Replies

1. 
   Timuhler | Mar 13, 2003 11:51pm | #1

   I'll give you a very basic answer and someone else can explain it. 

   A ridge beam typically refers to a ridge that is sized to carry the roof load.  It is structural. 

   A ridge board is basically there to nail your rafters to, but is not designed to be structural

2. 
   bd342 | Mar 14, 2003 12:11am | #2

   Just to add to Tim's post as a clarifcation.

   A ridge beam is to deal with a load vertical ( the weight of the roof and any snow or windload)

   The ridge board is simply to keep your rafters in line ( horizontally)

   Many older framed structures did not even have a ridge board. They depended on the 1x sheathing to keep them in line.

   Edit... To add the ridge beam is used most often when there are no ceiling joists or collar ties to keep the structures outside walls from spreading out due to the weight of the roof and any load on the roof.

   
   

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   Edited 3/13/2003 5:14:38 PM ET by benny

1. 
   JeffBuck | Mar 14, 2003 02:00am | #3

   and to add just a bit more...

   "beam" must have a load path to transfer the load to the foundation....

   most simple design is placed right under the ends.....

   "board" can just sit up there..attached to the rafters

   JeffBuck Construction   Pittsburgh,PA

    Fine Carpentery.....While U Waite                  

2. 
   hasbeen | Mar 14, 2003 07:56am | #4

   Now I most oftern see a ridge beam in a structure with clerestory windows.It doesn't matter how fast you get there, it just matters that you go in the right direction.

1. 
   casey | Mar 15, 2003 01:23pm | #5

   Thanks. That cleared things up for me.