How To Size Roof Ridge Beam

Ridge beams are required by code if the roof slope is less than 3 in 12 irc section r802 3.

How to size roof ridge beam.

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. Versa lam lvl size chart laminated beam span tables charts. A ridge board is a non structural member that serves as a prop for opposing rafters to rest against and connect to. Step 1 choose a ridge board that is one size larger than your common rafters.

For each application a pdf download is available. For 2 x 6 rafters use a 2 x 8 ridge board and so on. For 2 x 4 rafters use a 2 x 6 ridge board. Multiplied by 40 pounds per square foot equals 8 000 pounds.

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. It has been my experience to never use a beam smaller than a two ply 2 x 8. Refer to sfpa s publication southern pine headers beams download in publications that includes all size selection and allowable load tables. Ridge beam sizing is based on the span of the beam between supports and the amount of roof load supported by the beam.

These small areas are usually door opening on the interior and people are trained that these areas are the strongest place in a house to be in the case of an emergency. Ridge beam height above top of slab height of wall z. No matter what the specs say. The ridge board s length will be the outside measurement of the building plus the length of the overhang at both ends.

This number represents the total load that your roof must carry. If an example roof is 10 feet by 20 feet the total area is 200 square feet. Rafter to ridge beam connection framing roof ceiling construction structural ridge beam absolute deflection in a ridge beam structural ridge beam tricks of the trade. Loading conditions are detailed below.