Vaulted Ceiling Roof Framing

These trusses feature unique shapes and configurations that allow for intricate roof lines and impressive cathedral or vaulted ceilings.

Vaulted ceiling roof framing.

The trick in framing a vaulted ceiling is figuring out what to do with the ceiling joists. A plain flat ceiling gable is actually a procession of light trusses usually spaced 16 in. There are variations of this design to create numerous unique ceilings. But keep in mind those existing horizontal joists located just above the ceiling do more than just hold the ceiling drywall in place.

Stick framing a roof with rafters is the old fashioned and still most common method of obtaining a vaulted ceiling. 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 with. However constructing a stick framed roof is not always easy. Builders sometimes also prefer this construction method when they want to provide a large attic space or high vaulted ceilings often called cathedral ceilings.

To avoid these problems in a structure with a cathedral ceiling it helps to understand how a typical roof frame works. Contributing editor scott mcbride replies. Vaulted ceiling with collar ties as long as you have the traditional rafter and beam setup you can add a vaulted ceiling to your existing home. They can be an integral part of the structural framing system.

For example in texas where stick framing is common there are entire crews specializing only in framing roofs. These horizontal framing members tie a building s outer walls together and resist the outward force exerted by the roof rafters in conventional framing. An engineer must determine rafter size placement and pitch based on span and. Vaulted ceiling framing must be able to resist the downward and outward thrust of the roof s weight load.

Several options for alternative structural support include placing a very sturdy strong center roof beam along the roof peak line and attaching all of the rafters to it.