Vaulted Ceiling Roof Framing

In traditional framing the framing members that form the ceiling of the building play an important role in keeping the roof stable.

Vaulted ceiling roof framing.

Stick framing a roof with rafters is the old fashioned and still most common method of obtaining a vaulted ceiling. Some of these can support the roof and prevent ridge sagging and wall spreading. A plain flat ceiling gable is actually a procession of light trusses usually spaced 16 in. However constructing a stick framed roof is not always easy.

This article describes and illustrates the different types of support that prevents roof sagging and wall bulging at buildings including definitions of collar ties rafter ties and structural ridge beams. There are several options for installing insulation in a vaulted ceiling among the easiest options is to install rigid insulation sheets over the rafters which not only provides insulation but also the structural function of enclosing the roof. Collar ties rafter ties tension beams structural ridge beams. The trick in framing a vaulted ceiling is figuring out what to do with the ceiling joists.

When those ceiling members are removed they must be replaced. To avoid these problems in a structure with a cathedral ceiling it helps to understand how a typical roof frame works. Without joists the walls can bow outward and the roof ridge line may sag. Contributing editor scott mcbride replies.

For example in texas where stick framing is common there are entire crews specializing only in framing roofs. These horizontal framing members tie a building s outer walls together and resist the outward force exerted by the roof rafters in conventional framing.