Everything You Need to Know About Lvl Ridge Beams

LVL ridge beams are a type of pre-fabricated wood product used in home construction.

They are made from laminated veneer lumber, a type of engineered wood that is strong and durable.

A typical LVL ridge beam is 1.5 to 2.5 inches thick and 4 to 12 inches wide, depending on the application.

They are often used in place of traditional wooden beams due to their strength and stability.

LVL ridge beams can span up to 30 feet or more without additional support, making them a convenient option for builders.

They are also resistant to warping and shrinking, which can help reduce the risk of structural damage over time.

LVL ridge beams can be used in a variety of construction projects, including roof framing and deck building.

There are several types of LVL ridge beams, but one of the most common is the laminated veneer lumber (LVL) beam. This type of beam is made up of layers of wood veneer pressed together to form a strong and stable beam.

For instance, in our example calculation, we needed to specify the correct size of an LVL beam to support a total load of 390 plf. We found that a 3 ½” x 11 ¼” LVL beam can carry 407 plf, making it the perfect choice for our 36’ long cabin.

You can choose from various sizes and thicknesses of LVL beams, but it's essential to select the right one based on the load requirements of your project. In our example, we needed to calculate the total load per lineal foot that the ridge beam needs to support.

Here are some common LVL beam sizes and their load-carrying capacities:

It's also worth noting that using an LVL to make up a structural ridge beam is a stronger method than building a roof using a conventional ridge board supported by rafters.

Installing an LVL ridge beam can be a bit tricky, but with the right approach, it can be done efficiently. The depth and width of the beam, as well as its length, contribute to its weight, which may require a crane to lift it into place.

A new build install is much like using standard lumber, with the beam supported at each end on exterior walls and possibly having one or more support posts along its span. Removing drywall or lathe and plaster, rearranging plumbing, electrical, and HVAC are often necessary to make way for the new beam.

Using 1-3/4” wide LVL beams is lighter than wider beams, and placing and bolting two or more together provides the same structural support as a wider beam.

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Hanging rafters from the ridge beam can be a bit tricky, but with the right approach, it's manageable. Try to balance the installation by matching rafters on both sides as you work along, rather than installing all of the rafters on one side first.

Installing several matching pairs spaced out along the ridge beam span is a good idea to keep it straight. You can then go back and fill in the remaining rafters.

There are two ways to hang the rafters from the ridge beam: from the top and from the bottom, using two different types of rafter hangers. Top rafter hangers are installed 24" o.c. before doing anything else.

Bottom rafter hangers are installed by holding the rafter in position and nailing it through the top edge to hold it, then installing the hanger by pushing it up flush on the bottom and nailing.

Special nails are needed for these types of hangers, such as 1 1/2" long 9-gauge galvanized nails that won't split out the opposite side.

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Calculating the load that a structural beam needs to support is crucial to specifying the correct size of the beam. This involves determining the total load per lineal foot that the beam needs to carry.

To do this, you need to calculate the total load on the beam, which is the sum of the dead weight and the live weight. In our example, the dead weight is 10 psf and the live weight is 20 psf, making a total load of 30 psf.

The total load per lineal foot can be calculated by multiplying the total load by the span of the beam. For our example log cabin, the span of the roof is 13 feet and the length is 18 feet. This results in a total load per lineal foot of 390 plf.

To determine the size of the beam needed to support this load, you can refer to a table of allowable uniform loads. For a span of 18 feet, the table shows that a 3 ½” x 11 ¼” LVL beam can carry 407 plf.

In our example, we need to double up two 1 ¾” x 11 ¼” LVL beams to make up a structural ridge beam that can carry the required load. This can be done by ordering a total of four 1 ¾” x 11 ¼” LVL beams, with the center joint located over a minimum of a 4” x 4” bearing surface.

Here's a summary of the calculation:

Installing an LVL beam requires careful planning and execution, especially in renovation projects where existing structures need to be supported. The beam's depth and width, along with its length, contribute to its weight, which may necessitate a crane for lifting.

In new builds, the beam is typically supported at each end on exterior walls and may have one or more support posts along its span. Removing drywall or lathe and plaster, and rearranging plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems are often necessary to accommodate the beam.

Using 1-3/4" wide LVL beams is lighter than wider beams, and placing and bolting two or more together provides the same structural support as a wider beam. This can be a game-changer in renovation projects where space is limited.

Installing rafters from the ridge beam requires careful balancing to avoid pushing the beam out of line. This can be achieved by matching rafters on both sides as you work along, rather than installing all of the rafters on one side first.

Installing several matching pairs of rafters spaced out along the ridge beam span can help keep it straight. This approach allows you to go back and fill in the remaining rafters with ease.

Using top rafter hangers 24" o.c. is a good starting point for installing rafters. This allows you to work your way along dropping the rafters into place and nailing them through the hanger.

Special nails, such as 1 1/2" long 9-gauge galvanized nails, are required for these types of hangers to avoid splitting the opposite side. A positive placement nailer or a simple palm nailer can be useful for speed and efficiency when nailing joist hangers.

A lvl ridge beam is a crucial component in many roofing projects, and choosing the right material is essential for a sturdy and long-lasting structure.

You can opt for Southern Pine, a popular choice due to its durability and resistance to warping.

LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) is another great option, offering high strength and stability, making it ideal for long spans.

It's also worth considering Hem-Fir, a versatile and cost-effective option that still delivers impressive strength and durability.

For a more budget-friendly option, you can look into Douglas Fir, which is widely available and still offers great strength and stability.

LVL ridge beams are incredibly versatile and can be used for a wide range of structural framing and construction purposes.

For example, you can use them as floor beams or in place of traditional wood beams for added strength and stability. LVL beams can also be used as joists, headers, lintels, and rafters, making them a great choice for building projects.

If you're planning to use your LVL ridge beam outdoors, look for H3 or chemically treated laminated lumber that can withstand various weather conditions. This will ensure your beam remains durable and long-lasting.

LVL lumber can be used in a variety of creative ways, such as truck bed decking or even skateboards. Just be sure to use the right type of laminated lumber for your specific project.

Structural LVL beams are particularly useful for dry interior use, but with the right treatment, they can also be used in exterior applications.