What is the ridge board in roofing?

The ridge board in roofing is defined as the horizontal member located at the peak of the roof. It is a critical structural component that helps to support the upper ends of the rafters, which are the inclined beams that form the slope of the roof. By providing a stable horizontal point, the ridge board helps maintain the roof's shape, ensuring that the rafters remain aligned and properly spaced. This is essential for the overall integrity of the roof structure, as it aids in distributing the load from the roof down to the walls of the building.

In contrast, the other options revolve around different concepts not directly related to the specific function of the ridge board. The dividing structure of the house and the point where rafters are trimmed do not accurately describe the role or location of the ridge board within the roofing system. Therefore, identifying the ridge board as the horizontal member at the peak of the roof is essential knowledge for anyone studying carpentry and roofing construction.