The National Association of Roofing Contractors defines a ridge as the “highest point on a roof, represented by a horizontal line where two areas of the roof intersect, throughout the area.” Basically, if your roof has two primary planes that come together to form a peak, you have a ridge. This is important to know for many reasons. Read on for helpful information on ridge boards and ridge beams, including their role in the overall performance and life of your roofing system.
Roof ridges and rafters
First, it is important to understand that “ridge board” and “ridge beam” are terms that are used interchangeably, so they mean the same thing. These terms will also be used interchangeably in this article.
The traditional house structure is sometimes referred to as a “stick structure” in the construction and residential construction industry. Essentially, this style of construction consists of a basic roof frame with opposing sets of pitched rafters meeting at their highest points on a ridge beam. Ridge boards have wide edges and are placed between two opposing roof joists. Each beam is cut at an angle at its ends so that they lie perfectly flat against each side of the inserted ridge board.
Triangular roof formation
Ridge beams come in 1 x 8, 2 x 8, or larger lumber sizes. Generally, nails and metal frame connectors are used to hold the joists to the ridge. This provides several advantages, including strong structural connections, lateral stability, and rigid roof formation. Horizontal boards called “joists” are used to hold the joists together at their lower ends, which generally shape the roof frame of the upper story and the attic floor of a home.
All of these roof components assemble a triangular shape that provides attic space, structural durability, and much more. In addition to the traditional pole frames and ridge boards, there are other versions as well. Common examples include wood-framed trestle boards, ridge-ridge boards, and precast lattice roofs.
Professional roofing advice
Periodic roof inspections are an important part of routine roof maintenance and protection. Catching small problems early on is the best way to avoid costly large-scale roof repairs or replacements. If you have questions about roof care, repair, and replacement, speak with a licensed roofing contractor for information and advice you can trust. They can help you decide which roofing system best meets your property’s needs, your budget, and your comfort.
If a roof replacement is not what you need, they can perform a full property inspection, assess your roof’s current condition and needs, and recommend the best course of action to improve the quality of your roof.
