Ridge beam
A ridge beam is the horizontal member at the top of the roof that the rafters lean against and, if structural, rest on.
A ridge beam is the horizontal member at the top of the roof that the rafters lean against and, if structural, rest on.
Definition
A ridge beam sits along the peak of a pitched roof. A structural ridge beam carries rafter loads to posts or walls; a ridge board only aligns the rafters.
A plain example
Illustrative example only: an open vaulted ceiling has no ceiling joists to tie the walls, so the drawings call for a structural ridge beam supported on posts and sized by the engineer.
Why it matters
Using the wrong member at the ridge changes how the whole roof carries load. A ridge board cannot replace a ridge beam.
Common confusion
A ridge board and a ridge beam look alike but do different jobs. A ridge board is non-structural; a ridge beam is.
On a project
Check the drawing note and the engineering calculation, and confirm where the posts land down to the foundation.
Quick answers
- Ridge board or ridge beam? The structural design decides; a vaulted ceiling usually needs a beam.
- Who sizes it? The engineer of record or a code-approved table.
- Where do its loads go? Down through posts or walls to the foundation.
Related terms
Always check the project drawings and specification, and confirm requirements with the engineer of record and the local authority.
Questions people ask
Ridge board or ridge beam?
The structural design decides; a vaulted ceiling usually needs a beam.
Who sizes it?
The engineer of record or a code-approved table.
Where do its loads go?
Down through posts or walls to the foundation.
Sources and further reading
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