Ridge Board
Definition and meaning of Ridge Board in real estate.
A ridge board is a horizontal timber or board located at the peak of a sloped roof structure, serving as the central framing member where the upper ends of opposite rafters meet. It provides alignment and support during construction.
In more detail
In traditional stick-frame roof construction, rafters are cut at an angle and nailed to the sides of the ridge board. The ridge board does not typically support the weight of the roof load, which is instead transferred down the rafters to the exterior walls. It primarily functions to align the rafters and transfer horizontal forces across the roof structure.
Modern home construction often uses pre-fabricated roof trusses, which do not require a ridge board because they are engineered to support themselves. Inspections of older homes often check the ridge board for sagging or water damage, which can indicate structural framing failures.
Key facts
| Category | Property Types & Construction |
|---|---|
| Location | Apex of a sloped roof |
| Primary function | Rafter alignment and connection |
| Alternative | Pre-fabricated roof trusses |
During the framing of a new house, carpenters installed a wooden ridge board at the peak of the roof to securely connect the opposing roof rafters.
Frequently asked questions
Is a ridge board load-bearing?
In most standard rafter roofs, the ridge board is not load-bearing, but a ridge beam is load-bearing and supports the weight of the rafters.
What causes a ridge board to sag?
Sagging is usually caused by inadequate rafter support, structural overloading, or water damage that weakens the wood framing.