ADDA Certification Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Test Preparation

The correct answer is header beams, as these are critical structural components that provide support at openings, particularly around areas like chimneys. Header beams are designed to distribute the load from the rafters and any weight above the opening across a larger area, preventing any potential sagging or failure in the structure. They help maintain the structural integrity of the roof while allowing for the necessary openings.

In the context of roof construction, headers are used to frame around chimney openings, serving to transfer loads from adjacent rafter members around the chimney space to other structural elements. This distribution of loads is essential to ensure that the weight does not concentrate in one area, leading to structural issues over time.

Other options, while important in different contexts, do not serve this specific function. Girders provide support for larger spans and carry loads from beams or joists but are not typically used around openings. Ridge boards help align the tops of rafters but do not bear loads in the same way header beams do. Trusses are prefabricated structural components for framing roofs, but again, they do not specifically address the need for supporting rafters around openings such as chimneys. Therefore, header beams are the most appropriate choice for this scenario.