Vaulted Ceiling Roof Structure Construction Requirements

Framing

• If building a house from scratch, you have a few options when framing a vaulted ceiling that work effectively. One option is to move the ceiling joists up higher on the rafters to become collar ties. This method enlarges the ceiling without loss of stability. Another option is to do this same procedure, but leave only every third rafter with a collar tie. However, you would double them up so that a tie is on each side of the rafter for added stability. Finally, you can build a ceiling like this with rafters connected to a central beam that is strong enough to support 50 percent of the roof weight. This means using a very large wooden beam or even a steel I-beam for the ridge beam.

Insulation

• Insulation is required in a vaulted ceiling, so you need to build a cavity where it can be placed. Insulation cavities can be created through the use of a scissors truss system. With this approach, a vaulted ceiling is built underneath the actual roof trusses to create a sizable insulation pocket. Other methods also exist, but a scissor truss can be installed beneath an existing roof or built in new construction, making it a flexible arrangement.

Building Code Requirements

• Always check with your local building office and obtain the necessary permits before building a vaulted ceiling. Some jurisdictions may have specific structure requirements that you need to adhere to. For instance, in Oregon, you can't have more than half of your heated floor space covered by a vaulted ceiling. If you do, you need to conform to a stronger insulation standard to ensure that the home is adequately insulated.

Specialty Vaulted Ceilings

• Different types of vaulted ceilings exist. To build a vaulted ceiling with special characteristics, you should purchase prefabricated trusses designed for that type of roof and install them according the manufacturer's specifications. For example, you can build a barrel vaulted ceiling by buying special trusses that have deep curves in them. These attach to the walls and a central beam to provide an arched and vaulted ceiling underneath a stable roof. To retrofit a home with a barrel vaulted ceiling, you need to cut into the existing roof trusses and reinforce them thoroughly. Consult an engineer or architect before doing this, because you need to reinforce the existing trusses enough to maintain adequate support strength for the entire roof while making room for the barrel vault ribs.