How To Build A Vaulted Ceiling Roof

The trick in framing a vaulted ceiling is figuring out what to do with the ceiling joists.

How to build a vaulted ceiling roof.

To convert a truss roof to a vaulted ceiling you may need to do significant reconstruction of the roof. If your house has low ceilings building vaulted ceilings may be the answer. 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. Roof trusses are built in a truss manufacturing warehouse and delivered preassembled to the jobsite.

To avoid these problems in a structure with a cathedral ceiling it helps to understand how a typical roof frame works. 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. The simplest way to get a vaulted ceiling is by setting vaulted roof trusses.

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. Depending on how steep your roof pitch is vaulting a 20 by 20 foot room. This also allows you to save on lumber by using 2. Without joists the walls can bow outward and the roof ridge line may sag.

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. Contributing editor scott mcbride replies. Nick noyes architecture cesar rubio photography. A professional carpenter may be able to apply this method to your existing flat ceiling to convert it to a vaulted ceiling.

If the roof was built with traditional rafter and joist construction the ceiling joists. A plain flat ceiling gable is actually a procession of light trusses usually spaced 16 in.