The process includes three simple steps. Firstly, you calculate the horizontal length between opposite walls. Secondly, use a simple mathematical formula to determine the length of the ridge board you’ll need and the number of boards to buy. Finally, determine the factors that may affect the results of your calculation and consider them where appropriate.
The most important fact to remember is that you will need to square both A and B values, then add them together when using the formula above. Once that is done, you can take the square root of the sum and that will equal the distance between the opposite corners of your roof. To determine the ridge board length, just double this number. Finally, take the new result and divide it by the length of the ridge board you decide to go with, rounding up to the nearest whole number, and that will tell you the number of ridge boards you will need to complete your project.
It is important to consider a couple of factors that may affect your calculation, such as if your roof has overhangs and if you plan on installing a ridge vent. To account for overhangs, just double the measurement you get from the A measurement. Additionally, if you plan to install a vented ridge, you can subtract 0.33 feet from the number of ridge boards you need. This is because vented ridge boards need to overlap each other by 6 inches.
How To Calculate Ridge Board
To calculate the length of a ridge board, you need to know the length and pitch of the roof. The pitch is the angle of the roof, measured in degrees. The most common roof pitches are 4/12, 6/12, and 8/12.
Once you know the length and pitch of the roof, you can use the following formula to calculate the length of the ridge board:
“`
Ridge board length = (length of roof x 2) / (12 / pitch)
“`
For example, if you have a 20-foot roof with a 6/12 pitch, the ridge board length would be:
“`
Ridge board length = (20 feet x 2) / (12 / 6) = 20 feet
“`
People Also Ask
What is a ridge board?
A ridge board is a horizontal board that runs along the peak of a roof. It connects the two sides of the roof and provides support for the roof tiles or shingles.
How do I install a ridge board?
To install a ridge board, you need to first measure and cut the board to the correct length. Then, you need to nail the board in place along the peak of the roof. You should use galvanized nails and space them about 6 inches apart.
What if my roof has a different pitch?
The formula for calculating the ridge board length will change depending on the pitch of your roof. You can use the following table to find the correct formula for your roof pitch:
| Roof Pitch | Formula |
|---|---|
| 4/12 | Ridge board length = (length of roof x 2) / 3 |
| 6/12 | Ridge board length = (length of roof x 2) / 2 |
| 8/12 | Ridge board length = (length of roof x 2) / 1.5 |
