Last edited 25 May 2022

Ridge

The 2018 International Residential Code (IRC), published by the International Code Council (ICC) defines a ridge as: ‘With respect to topographic wind effects, an elongated crest of a hill characterized by strong relief in two directions.’

The word ‘ridge’ can also refer to the junction at the highest point of a pitched roof. Typically this is where the rafters meet on a dual-pitched roof, connected to a ridge board, and it may be capped with ridge tiles, lead or some other cover piece.

Short Guide, Fabric Improvements for Energy Efficiency in Traditional Buildings, published on 1 March 2013 by Historic Scotland, defines a ridge as: ‘A horizontal line caused by the junction of two sloping roof surfaces.’

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