Rafter and Ridge Beam Framing - Phoenix Business Group

Phoenix Business Group
Consumer Advocacy Services

Roof Framing - Rafter and Ridge Beam Framing

Because of difficulty of access, damage to the roof framing is second only to the foundation in costs of repairs. Here is what to look for when you inspect an attic.

Check the ridge beam. If you can stick a pocket knife through a crack in the ridge beam, those are not drying cracks. The roof framing is beginning to split.
Check the rafters and rafter connections. The rafters should be free of splits or rotation and should butt up tightly against the ridge beam. If three rafters in a row have separated from the ridge beam in the same pattern, and if nails are not rusted in the gaps, the rafters have probably separated from the ridge beam as a result of the earthquake. If the rafters have moved, the wall at the edge has also moved. If there are inverted v-gaps between the rafters and the ridge beam for three rafters in a row, the ridge beam may have sunk pushing out both walls and spreading the rafters. In this case, collar beams and ceiling joists may have also split.
Check lateral bracing. The studs above the top plate in the attic should be reasonably plumb on both sides. If space sheathing or close sheathing is present and lateral bracing or hipped roofing are not present, the entire attic may be racked in one direction.
Check for roof leaks. Those black or rust colored blotches in the sheathing may indicate the roof membrane has failed.
Check the rafters from the exterior. If paint is scraped away from the rafters on the underside of the eaves, the rafters may have separated from the wall connection.

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