Ridge beam length

[Jackhammer]

What is the best way to attach two 10' 2X6 for a 20' ridge beam?

[Dragon]

You can't.

Use 2 12' instead.

Cut a V groove in one and a V in the other. Then put them together like this.

| |
V
|V|

Ok so my ASCII art sucks.

The best method would be to purchase a 20' 2X6

Wait a minute. 2X6 for a ridge beam??

[Jackhammer]

I meant 2X8.... Thanks for the info

[Jackhammer]

Question.... With only an 8' run could I get by without using a ridge board?

[Cole]

Never

[Jackhammer]

Never???? Why is this? In several carpentry books I've noticed smaller buildings without ridge boards. I thought there only real purpose was to prevent roll over. With proper gussets would these not serve the same function. You da man so give me your best answer.

Hows bout collar ties?

[Jackhammer]

Cole_21, correct me if I'm wrong but I thought you had said in an earlier note that you only used a ridge board with spans greater than 25'. Can you elaborate on this idea?

[Cole]

I meant I only use a glulam with spans bigger than 25'

Sorry about that, I do use a ridge on everything though.

[Jackhammer]

Using 2X6s as rafters would a 1X8 be sufficient for a ridge board?

[Cole]

I wouldnt see why not.

[Jackhammer]

Thank you Mr. Cole.....

[Jackhammer]

Another question.... You mentioned earlier about splicing using the V pattern. Would there be any other acceptable way of splicing?

[Cole]

That wasnt me, that was dragon.

[Cole]

Check this out: http://www.construction-resource.com/forum/ftopic2614.html

[Jackhammer]

Thanks again, you have been a big help...

[Jackhammer]

Can anyone tell me how much overhang is typical or normal on a gable roof end? I have 1' on the sides and thought the ends should be moe.

[Cole]

It's all up to you.

[Dragon]

Yeah, it really is.

[Jackhammer]

Do any of you ever see the gable ends with more overhang than the sides?

I have 1' on the sides and was considering having 2' on the ends but wasn't sure how it would look.

[giddonah]

I think it would look fine. I can't imagine there's an ordinance barring it :wink:

[Joe Bartok]

Do any of you ever see the gable ends with more overhang than the sides?
Yes, and in fact you can have a prow peak, where the overhang increases as it approaches the peak.
I can't imagine there's an ordinance barring it
There must be a limit somewhere, but I'd imagine your two feet should be OK. On the log roofs I'm more familiar with, a four foot overhang is commonplace.
Your question brings back old memories: Twenty years ago, we had to build and install a ladder with a prow peak on a gable end. I just happened to have my slide rule handy and did the calculation right on the spot. One thing led to another, and that's how I got myself into all this joinery math and calculating!