Ridge Beam vs Ridge Board: Which One Holds the Roof Up?
A ridge board spaces rafters; a ridge beam holds them up. How rafter thrust works, why ties matter, and what changes when the ceiling joists come out.
Guides
Removing a Load-Bearing Wall: The Beam, the Permit and What Goes Wrong
What has to happen before a load-bearing wall comes down: beam sizing, permits, temporary shoring, and the mistakes that turn a renovation into a repair.
Steel Lintels: Types, Sizes and Minimum Requirements
Steel lintel sizes for door and window openings from the IRC span table, minimum angle sizes, types, bearing, deflection and why galvanized lintels last.
Girder vs Beam vs Joist: What Is the Difference?
A girder carries beams, a beam carries joists, and a joist carries the deck. Here is how the three differ in steel and wood framing, with real AISC sizes.