How to Shore Up a Ridge Beam

Roofs supported by a ridge beam, such as those used in a barn or a shed, that are beginning to sag can be shored up using a support beam. Support beams can be a laminated veneer column or a standard 4-inch by 4-inch board. The support beams will carry the weight of the roof and prevent further sagging. You can do this by first obtaining a 4-inch by 4-inch post to use as the support beam.

Tape measure
4-inch by 4-inch post
Table saw
Circular saw
Post bracket
Block of wood
Rubber mallet
Steel plate
3-inch screws
Power drill

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the height from the bottom of the ridge beam to the floor or ground with a tape measure. Note the measurement.
- 2
  Transfer the measurement from Step 1 to a 4-inch by 4-inch post. Cut the post to this size using a table saw or a circular saw.
- 3
  Place a post bracket onto the bottom of the 4-inch by 4-inch post. Secure the post bracket onto the post with screws using the power drill.
- 4
  Set the cut post in place under the ridge beam. Strike the block of wood with the rubber mallet to force the post into place.
- 5
  Secure the post to the ridge beam using steel plates. Attach the plate to each side of the ridge beam and the post with screws using the power drill. Secure the post bracket to the floor with the screws.
- 6
  Repeat this process to install additional support beams to shore up the ridge beam for the roof.

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