Gable Roof Framing Cathedral Ceiling

If you are framing a cathedral ceiling there are a couple ways to deal with the need for rafter ties.

Gable roof framing cathedral ceiling.

Jul 9 2013 in this article contributing editor scott mcbride gives his advice on how to successfully frame a cathedral ceiling. A plain flat ceiling gable is actually a procession of light trusses usually spaced 16 in. The most common tension tie observed in roof framing for a conventionally framed gable roof is the ceiling joist that forms the bottom chord of the roof triangle shown below. Learn how to enlarge ceiling space while avoiding a sagging ridge or bowed walls.

To avoid these problems in a structure with a cathedral ceiling it helps to understand how a typical roof frame works. 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. Stick framing a roof with rafters is the old fashioned and still most common method of obtaining a vaulted ceiling. If it s your first case and if you feel uncomfortable call for the engineer.

If you see a complicated framework of 2x4s held together with perforated metal plates your roof is framed with trusses. The simple 6 12 gable roof is composed of actual 2x6 rafters 24 oc sheathed with 1 2 plywood and covered with asphalt shingles. 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. You ll have to remove the entire roof structure to vault the ceilings.

Each truss is composed of two opposing rafters and a ceiling joist. Contributing editor scott mcbride replies. You can possibly remove them altogether of you include posts in the gable walls to support a structural ridge. But if it s framed traditionally with big lumber rafters the roof can stay in place.

First head to the attic.