Let’s immediately determine that, regarding the construction of the roof itself, a bar can serve as a ridge, which is mounted on special vertical racks or attached to the gables of the house. Also, the rafter legs can be interconnected in pairs, resulting in triangular shapes connected by jumpers. At the top, on each slope, these structures are connected by boards at an angle. Walking parallel to the cornice, the boards form a ridge. We can say that this is the lower part of the ridge, which is not visible later, after laying the roofing.
The most noticeable part, the crown of the roof, is the roof ridge. This is the cover that covers the gap between the slopes. These roof skates are also often referred to as ridge strips. They can be of the following form:
- angular
- rib
- semicircular
- conical
- embossed
- curly
As for the material for making the ridge, it all depends on the roofing used. Everyone knows very simple skates made of galvanized or stainless steel, which can be made by hand, since it is not so difficult to bend a metal sheet. These skates are traditionally used on slate roofs. A very inexpensive option, steel is fastened with ordinary slate nails. The disadvantages of such a ridge can be called the risk that it will simply be blown off by a hurricane wind, thin metal can deform and darken over time. However, the availability and ease of installation still make slate roofs and steel, zinc skates a very popular and widespread option..
For roofs made of profiled sheet and metal tiles, the ridge is specially made of thin sheet material, which is similar to the roofing itself. Such skates can be either simple, straight or round, as well as flexible. Skates for composite shingles look the same, but they are made from more expensive composite material..
Special ridge shingles are supplied with bitumen shingles. For ondulin roofs, the ridge is made of the roofing material itself and is used as a component. For folded roofs, a ridge seam or seam is intended. This node is considered one of the most difficult, its ideal straightforwardness will testify to the professionalism of the craftsmen who made the roof.
As for roofs made of reeds, shingles, straw, and other rare materials, the ridge is traditionally made from the roofing itself to meet the general orientation of the exterior..
To calculate the height of the ridge on complex roofs, either professional architects or special programs are usually used. As for simple structures, it must be remembered that the optimal angle of inclination of pitched roofs is from 35 to 60 degrees. To calculate the height of the skate, you will have to recall the school geometry course: the length of the leg of a right-angled triangle is equal to the length of the second leg multiplied by the tangent of the angle at the base. Half the length of the building wall should be taken as the base of the triangle.
You can attach the ridge to the roof not only with slate nails, but also with self-tapping screws, and seal it with a sealant, mortar, foam, special means recommended by the manufacturer of the roofing.
Separately, mention should be made of the arrangement of the ventilated ridge of the roof. It is necessary if there are no end windows in the attic to fight dampness and musty air..
It is very important to follow safety rules when installing a ridge! This is the very top of your roof, remember from this! The safest way is to work together. Be sure to also put in a protective layer to keep insects and birds out of the attic. And, of course, the ridge must reliably cover the junction of pitched surfaces, completing the entire stage of arranging a beautiful and durable roof.
What purpose does the ridge of the roof serve in terms of the overall structure?