Vaulted Roof Framing

The first step is the positioning of a substantial ridge beam.

Vaulted roof framing.

These horizontal framing members tie a building s outer walls together and resist the outward force exerted by the roof rafters in conventional framing. Contributing editor scott mcbride replies. Without joists the walls can bow outward and the roof ridge line may sag. The trick in framing a vaulted ceiling is figuring out what to do with the ceiling joists.

This also allows you to save on lumber by using 2. 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. 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.

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. If it s your first case and if you feel uncomfortable call for the engineer. Each truss is composed of two opposing rafters and a ceiling joist. For example in texas where stick framing is common there are entire crews specializing only in framing roofs.

A plain flat ceiling gable is actually a procession of light trusses usually spaced 16 in. Rafters used to frame a vaulted roof are typically larger than rafters used to frame a roof that relies on ceiling joists for support. 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.