RIDGE BOARDS

[tackleall]

i need to install a ridge board of approx 40 feet i understand that there is only one acceptable joint to use something called a"beak" or" birds beak "
can anyone advise there is no facility for a middle support it is to be made out of 6 x 2 timber

i await any comments
thanks

 

[Deluks]

Maybe you are thinking of birdsmouth? This is the cut at the base of the rafters where they sit on the wallplate.

You will need a scarf joint, here is a picture of a really good one.

this one is a bit easier.

 

[noseall]

concur with above, scarf joint.

 

[marshman]

a ridge board is normally a 6x1 or 6x11/4 inch, the joints for them are normally a long single ( > ) shape
point on one board and recess on the other, first board fitted has the recess this is held up by the rafters
the second board with the point is pushed into this then that in turn is held up by the rafters working your way
like this along the length of the roof, sometimes the joint are done with a double (>) one large at the top and
a small one near the bottom. length of point/recess approx 9".
the scarf joint shown in the first link is what I use in jointing purlins its folding wedges draw the joint tight
and they are never cut back flush with the wood, reason, as the wood dries you can go back an retighten.

at 40 feet unsupported you might find a 6x2 will split any joint unless you lap it with boards on the sides
and the amount of sag will make it hard work to level.
that said on 6x2 I would use the first scarf joint cut the wedges then when fixed replace them.

why can't you use a tower scaffold ?.