Hi Tim,

That is a very interesting observation and I suppose one that is entirely understandable and predictable. You have probably identfied first hand the real reason why ridges are not generally employed in common rafter roofs.

The ridge also stops the rafters from racking and so it is not an entirely redundant component. Did you provide a collar and peg your rafters to the ridge using square pegs driven through the rafter and ridge ideally from opposite sides on each alternate rafter couples ?

I am providing a link to a photo of a 4 sided ridge found on a truncated cruck frame that is located in North East Hampshire that was dendro dated to 1404.

4 sided cruck ridge

Thank you for that valuable practical insight.

Regards

Ken Hume

Regards

Ken Hume

Regards