Roof ridge length is an important measurement for roofing contractors. It is the length of the ridge beam that runs along the top of the roof. The ridge beam is an important structural element that helps to support the roof.
There are three different types of roofs: gable roofs, hip roofs, and combination roofs. Each type of roof has a different method for calculating the ridge length.
Gable Roofs
Gable roofs are the most common type of roof. They have two sloping sides that meet at a ridge at the top. The ridge length of a gable roof is simply the length of the building plus the overhang on each side.
For example, if a building is 20 feet wide and has a 1-foot overhang on each side, the ridge length would be 22 feet. Then you would need to subract the width of the fascia board thickness on both sides.
Hip Roofs
Hip roofs have four sloping sides that meet at a ridge at the top. The ridge length of a hip roof is the length of the building minus the width of the building.
Combination Roofs
Combination roofs have a gable roof on one side and a hip roof on the other side. The ridge length of a combination roof is the length of the building plus the overhang on the gable side, minus half the width of the building on the hip side.
Additional Tips
When measuring the ridge length, be sure to include the thickness of the ridge beam.
If the roof has any valleys, you will need to subtract the depth of the valley from the ridge length.
It is always a good idea to double-check your measurements before ordering materials.
Conclusion
Calculating the ridge length is an important step in the roofing process. By following the steps in this article, you can be sure that you have the correct length of ridge beam for your roof.
