How To Build A Vaulted Ceiling Roof

Another possible way to renovate a flat ceiling into a vaulted ceiling is by adding lumber to the existing roof rafters to make them deep enough to accommodate the appropriate insulation.

How to build a vaulted ceiling roof.

If your house has low ceilings building vaulted ceilings may be the answer. To convert a truss roof to a vaulted ceiling you may need to do significant reconstruction of the roof. The simplest way to get a vaulted ceiling is by setting vaulted roof trusses. Vaulted ceilings can be constructed by either stick framing which means attaching each joist and rafter individually or by setting roof trusses that come engineered from a truss manufacturer.

Contributing editor scott mcbride replies. To avoid these problems in a structure with a cathedral ceiling it helps to understand how a typical roof frame works. If you decide to construct a vaulted ceiling check with your local office regarding building permits and consult with an experienced structural engineer to ensure safety. The trick in framing a vaulted ceiling is figuring out what to do with the ceiling joists.

If your home is a modest size single story tract home with standard 8 foot ceilings it s an ideal candidate for vaulting a ceiling. Finally traditional fiberglass insulation works well in cathedral ceilings although a 2 inch breathing space between the insulation and the roof sheathing must be included. A dramatic cathedral ceiling makes a strong statement in a home s interior but make sure to follow the best practices to eliminate mold and wood rot while also saving money on lumber and materials. A professional carpenter may be able to apply this method to your existing flat ceiling to convert it to a vaulted ceiling.

Depending on how steep your roof pitch is vaulting a 20 by 20 foot room. Without joists the walls can bow outward and the roof ridge line may sag. Nick noyes architecture cesar rubio photography. These horizontal framing members tie a building s outer walls together and resist the outward force exerted by the roof rafters in conventional framing.

For example spray foam insulation helps create an air tight seal that eliminates the need for ridge and soffit venting. If the roof was built with traditional rafter and joist construction the ceiling joists.