RIBBED VAULTING

Gothic architects used ribbed vaulted ceilings to help ensure their buildings were stable. Diagonal arched ribs would meet in a pointed arch, distributing the weight down and outward, and the space between the ribs would be filled with thin stone panels. To protect the vaulting from rain and snow, wooden roofs were built over the top and covered with lead sheets. Statues of apostles were also placed on top.