Messages and Online Forum Q&A

Re: Vaulted ceilings

From: info@builderswebsource.com
Category: Structural
Remote Name: 63.198.181.43
Date: 26 Jan 2002
Time: 05:36 PM

Comments

A vaulted ceiling is generally defined as a ceiling with a pitch of 2:12 or more. When you refer to removing the "joists above," we assume you are referring to the horizontal ceiling joists.

Ceiling joists do provide some lateral stability to the structure. If you remove the ceiling joists to expose the rafters, you want to be sure that the roof rafters are securely anchored to the outside walls. You may need to use some metal anchoring straps or clips from Simpson or similar.

Depending on the depth of the existing rafters, you may find that a deeper well is required for proper insulation and air flow. Consider building a false ceiling at a slightly lesser slope. This is typical of the so-called "scissor truss." This will provide additional space for insulation and will allow you to provide additional structural reinforcement for the outer walls. The scissor rafters can be nailed to the existing rafters at the tails...and secured to the wall top plate with metal straps specifically designed for this.

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