How To Build A Vaulted Ceiling Roof

If the roof was built with traditional rafter and joist construction the ceiling joists.

How to build a vaulted ceiling roof.

A professional carpenter may be able to apply this method to your existing flat ceiling to convert it to a vaulted ceiling. To avoid these problems in a structure with a cathedral ceiling it helps to understand how a typical roof frame works. For example spray foam insulation helps create an air tight seal that eliminates the need for ridge and soffit venting. These horizontal framing members tie a building s outer walls together and resist the outward force exerted by the roof rafters in conventional framing.

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. 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. 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.

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. Without joists the walls can bow outward and the roof ridge line may sag. 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. Nick noyes architecture cesar rubio photography.

Contributing editor scott mcbride replies. 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. Roof trusses are built in a truss manufacturing warehouse and delivered preassembled to the jobsite. The simplest way to get a vaulted ceiling is by setting vaulted roof trusses.

A plain flat ceiling gable is actually a procession of light trusses usually spaced 16 in. Depending on how steep your roof pitch is vaulting a 20 by 20 foot room.