CLC Structural Carpentry & Framing Flashcards

What is the primary function of a ridge board in conventional roof framing?

Answer: Provide a nailing surface for common rafter tops

A ridge board is a non-structural nailing surface where the tops of opposing common rafters meet; it does not carry vertical loads like a ridge beam does.

In balloon framing, wall studs extend from the sill to the:

Answer: Rafter plate of the roof

Balloon framing uses continuous studs running from the foundation sill plate all the way to the rafter plate, with floor joists attached mid-stud via a ledger or ribbon board.

What does the term 'unit rise' refer to in roof framing?

Answer: Vertical rise per 12 inches of horizontal run

Unit rise is the number of inches of vertical rise for every 12 inches of horizontal run, and it defines the roof pitch (e.g., 6/12 means 6 inches of rise per foot of run).

Which engineered lumber product is commonly used as a substitute for dimensional lumber floor joists in long-span applications?

Answer: I-joist (TJI)

I-joists (TJI) combine an OSB web with LVL or solid-sawn flanges to achieve long spans with minimal depth and greatly reduced shrinkage compared to sawn lumber.

A lead carpenter discovers that a load-bearing wall was removed without a proper beam. The safest immediate action is to:

Answer: Install a temporary beam and notify the structural engineer

Temporary shoring must be installed immediately to support the load path, and a structural engineer must be consulted before permanent repairs are made.

What is the purpose of hurricane ties (rafter ties) in roof framing?

Answer: Connect rafters to top plates to resist uplift forces

Hurricane ties are metal connectors that mechanically fasten rafters or trusses to the top plate, resisting wind uplift forces that can tear a roof from its walls.