Ridge boards are horizontal panels that connect the rafters of a roof to create a durable structure. They can be made of wood or metal and determine the slope of the roofline. Shingles or other materials are used to cover the area, and the board can also create visual interest in the roofline.
Ridge boards are boards that serve as part of the roof support system on many types of buildings. Specifically, the ridge panel is a solid wood or metal profile that is positioned horizontally along the ridge line of the roof. The joists and trusses that form part of the overall roof structure are connected along the body of the ridge batten, helping to create a durable framework that protects the underlying structure spaces.
Placed along the tip or ridge of the roof, the ridge panel should be composed of strong materials that can help balance the stresses on the rafters that are connected on either side of the panel as it runs horizontally along the top of the house or other building . The pitch or angle of the ridge depends on the length of the beams that run from the building proper to the ridge board location. Cutting the rafters to length allows you to create a very tall or relatively short peak.
While the ridge board’s primary function is to connect rafters into a cohesive structure capable of supporting a roof, the size of the board can also help create a degree of visual interest in the roofline of the home. A base board would be narrow enough for the roof to reach a perfect peak, while a slightly wider board would allow for a flat area to be created at the top of the roofline. This in turn would allow a feature known as a crow’s nest to be included at the top of the structure, whilst still allowing the benefits of a sloped roof structure to be enjoyed.
Along with beams, a ridge board is generally not left exposed. Once the panels used to create the roof are secured in place, shingles or other roofing materials are used to cover the area, up to and including the peak. Even when a flat plank is used in the roof design, shingles are often used to cover the area immediately around the plank, and then some types of waterproof materials are put in place to protect the plank from constant exposure to the elements.
In the past, the ridgeboard was normally made from hardwood that had been treated to resist deterioration. Today, the board may actually be made from metals, with the trusses or beams connected using rivets rather than nails. With both applications, the board continues to be a critical element in creating a sloped roofline and determining the degree of slope that is incorporated into that design.
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