roof pitch and ridge beam

[rakuz66]

My question is regarding roof pitch and the need of a ridge beam. I've been looking at some cabins situated in a pretty heavy snow load area (85#), and their roof pitches are steep ( 10/12 or 12/12). They are built without ridge beams , just ridge boards ( 1.5 in) and the ceilings are vaulted. So, my question is this ; because the roof pitch is so steep, does it eliminate the need for a ridge beam, even in a 85# snow load?? I guess snow just slides off? They did have metal roofs.

[Richard A Hetzel]

Most simple gable roofs do not require a ridge beam, and they can actually be built without a ridge board as well. Many have been built with the rafters just nailed to each other at the peak. A ridge board is nothing but a nailer...it performs no structural function whatsoever.

It all depends on the span of the rafter, and the load required in the particular region.

[rakuz66]

Reason I ask is because I'm considering buying one of these new camps, but I always thought that a cathedral ceiling needed a ridge beam. camp is 20 x 24, so rafter run is 10 ft.

[Richard A Hetzel]

The rafters span 10 feet each, and the roof spans 20 feet total. That is pretty small for a roof, even with such snow loads. Are there any collar ties or rafter ties? Maybe they are not needed either, The steeper the roof pitch, the less the horizontal thrust at the wall, so maybe at that pitch, ties aren't necessary.

Generally, when there are not, or cannot be for some reason, collar ties and/or rafter ties, the roof is designed as essentially two shed roofs, and that's when a ridge beam becomes necessary.

Are these cabins new or older? If they are several years old, and haven't had problems, then I wouldn't worry. If they are new, there should be drawings on file in whatever building department has jurisdiction, and you could ask to see them, note the name of the designer, and contact them, to put your mind at ease.

[Joe Carola]

My question is regarding roof pitch and the need of a ridge beam. I've been looking at some cabins situated in a pretty heavy snow load area (85#), and their roof pitches are steep ( 10/12 or 12/12). They are built without ridge beams , just ridge boards ( 1.5 in) and the ceilings are vaulted. So, my question is this ; because the roof pitch is so steep, does it eliminate the need for a ridge beam, even in a 85# snow load?? I guess snow just slides off? They did have metal roofs.

As far as I know the answer is no. Every roof I framed with a vaulted ceiling(no collar ties) I've always put a ridge beam in no matter what the pitch is or the width of the building is.

[rakuz66]

Thanks, guys, I appreciate it.