I’m building a gable roof at a 49 degree slope with 2x8s, the house is 12×16. The ridge beam is 2×10 ripped so that it is set back 2″ from the top of the rafters for the roof vent. If I face and toe-nail the rafters to ridge beam and toe nail the rafters to the top plate and the floor joists are connected to the rafters, thus acting as rafter ties, will I have a structurally sound roof? There are no posts supporting the ridge bean, except for the 2×4 posts at each end it at he gable walls. Do I need diagonal bracing running at 45 degrees from the ridge beam, then along the bottom of the rafters to the top plate if I will be installing 1/2″ plywood sheathing as the roof deck?
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Is there any chance of making life easier and using a 12/12 pitch for a 45 degree angle? Also I have not seen the ridge board dropped down 2” for venting. Just hold the plywood sheathing back 2” from the ridge then put on your vented ridge cap. This is a small roof I don’t see the need for bracing.
It's also in cold northern climate with potential snow loads.