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.

Vaulted roof framing.

Builders sometimes also prefer this construction method when they want to provide a large attic space or high vaulted ceilings often called cathedral ceilings. 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. Without joists the walls can bow outward and the roof ridge line may sag. 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.

Finally when a cathedral or a vaulted ceiling or any gable roof is framed without either an engineered structural ridge ceiling joists or rafter ties or an engineered solution some amount of ridge sag and wall kick out is guaranteed. The first step is the positioning of a substantial ridge beam. However constructing a stick framed roof is not always easy. This also allows you to save on lumber by using 2.

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. 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.

For example spray foam insulation helps create an air tight seal that eliminates the need for ridge and soffit venting. Each truss is composed of two opposing rafters and a ceiling joist. Rafters used to frame a vaulted roof are typically larger than rafters used to frame a roof that relies on ceiling joists for support.