A prominent feature of Pacific Northwest modernism is the design choice of exposed roof framing, which reveals the structure of a building and gives it a sense of warmth by drawing on the natural characteristics of the exposed wood. The A-frame structure, or gable roof, is the focus of this article, though it is but one of many examples of exposed roof framing. There are two structural systems that bear the brunt of the load for an exposed A-frame: the ridge beams and the ridge boards. The ridge beam system typically involves a large ridge beam which will carry the gravity of the roof joists.
Read the full article here: Ridge Beams and Ridge Boards: Modern Structural Solutions for A-Frames