CLC CLC Structural Carpentry & Framing 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary function of a ridge board in conventional roof framing?
- Carry structural loads to bearing walls
- Provide a nailing surface for common rafter tops (Correct answer)
- Tie opposing walls together
- Establish the roof pitch
Correct 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.
Question 2: In balloon framing, wall studs extend from the sill to the:
- Top plate of the first floor
- Rafter plate of the roof (Correct answer)
- Top plate of the second floor
- Ridge board
Correct 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.
Question 3: What does the term 'unit rise' refer to in roof framing?
- Total vertical height of the roof
- Vertical rise per 12 inches of horizontal run (Correct answer)
- Height from floor to ceiling
- Rise between each rafter
Correct 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).
Question 4: Which engineered lumber product is commonly used as a substitute for dimensional lumber floor joists in long-span applications?
- LVL beam
- I-joist (TJI) (Correct answer)
- PSL post
- OSB panel
Correct 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.
Question 5: A lead carpenter discovers that a load-bearing wall was removed without a proper beam. The safest immediate action is to:
- Install a temporary beam and notify the structural engineer (Correct answer)
- Continue work and add a post later
- Pour additional concrete footings immediately
- Add extra drywall to compensate
Correct 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.
Question 6: What is the purpose of hurricane ties (rafter ties) in roof framing?
- Prevent ridge board from splitting
- Connect rafters to top plates to resist uplift forces (Correct answer)
- Attach ceiling joists to rafters
- Secure the fascia board
Correct 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.
CLC CLC Structural Carpentry & Framing 2
What is the primary function of a ridge board in conventional roof framing?