How To Frame A Cathedral Ceiling

Across the gable end.

How to frame a cathedral ceiling. There are any number of satisfactory structural solutions that will allow you to create the cathedral ceiling. For example spray foam insulation helps create an air tight seal that eliminates the need for ridge and soffit venting. The first step is the positioning of a substantial ridge beam.

One solution is to install a properly sized beam just under the peak of the roof where the top of the rafters connect to the ridge board. 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.

The room measures 26 ft. Substantial structural issues must be taken into consideration before beginning any tear out project in preparation for constructing a vaulted ceiling. Most flat ceilings hide gorgeous open rafter cathedral ceilings.

The cross supports for most flat ceilings have the structural function of providing thrust against which the roof rafters stand. Framing a cathedral ceiling to avoid a sagging ridge or bowed walls start by understanding how a typical roof frame works. The plans for a house i am building call for a great room with a cathedral ceiling.

There are essentially three techniques you can use when building a cathedral ceiling. 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. 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.

The trick in framing a vaulted ceiling is figuring out what to do with the ceiling joists. By scott mcbride issue 77. Rafters used to frame a vaulted roof are typically larger than rafters used to frame a roof that relies on ceiling joists for support.