Vaulted Roof Framing

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

Vaulted roof framing.

For example in texas where stick framing is common there are entire crews specializing only in framing roofs. 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. A plain flat ceiling gable is actually a procession of light trusses usually spaced 16 in.

This also allows you to save on lumber by using 2. In conventional gable roof framing the slope of the roof is formed by rafters that run diagonally downward from the peak of the roof to the tops of the exterior walls of the building. However constructing a stick framed roof is not always easy. If it s your first case and if you feel uncomfortable call for the engineer.

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. Without joists the walls can bow outward and the roof ridge line may sag. The first step is the positioning of a substantial ridge beam.

For example spray foam insulation helps create an air tight seal that eliminates the need for ridge and soffit venting. Builders sometimes also prefer this construction method when they want to provide a large attic space or high vaulted ceilings often called cathedral ceilings. Each truss is composed of two opposing rafters and a ceiling joist.