Cathedral ceiling framing

If you decide you want to make a cathedral ceiling in your home, you should be very careful, because this means you will actually modify the structure of your house, and this can result in a disaster.

Traditional roof framing consists of two slanted rafters that are connected at their base with a horizontal piece of lumber. This makes a triangle shaped construction that can be very resistant.

But if you decide to modify it, you can cause the roof to collapse.

Though it is a special procedure, there are a few ways that can help you make a cathedral ceiling. One solution is to install a properly sized beam just under the peak of the roof, where the top of the rafters connect to the ridge board. This beam will carry all the load, but the condition is that the columns that support the beam have to rest on a solid surface. The advice of the structural engineer is needed. You can also install smaller, horizontal-framing members, called collar ties. These can be exposed as part of your cathedral ceiling.

Plywood gusset plates can also be installed high up in the rafters near the peak of the roof. The pieces are cut in the shape of a triangle, so that they can copy the curve of the roof. Then they can be glued together. As small as these pieces are, they offer a high strength to prevent the roof collapsing.

It’s very important that you install these structural solution before cutting the ceiling, or making any modification to the structure of the house. Now, after this you need to think about the insulation of the roof. Ask a specialist what kind of foam or traditional fiberglass or cellulose should you use. Now you can install the skylights.

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