Replies

1. 
   Piffin | Aug 18, 2005 03:53am | #1

   You need an engineer or a very experienced framing carpenter to assess this on site. There could be twenty other variables in the scenario and it sounds like yopu are not even quite sure what to look for.

    

    

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2. 
   ChrisG1 | Aug 18, 2005 04:22am | #2

   I would listen to Piffin. I happen to be luckey in that I live/work in a town that is very helpful, try your towns building dept., see what they say.

3. 
   des | Aug 18, 2005 07:50am | #3

   You do need to get profesional help on site but consider this. You can add more volume to the room by raising the ceiling height but not go up to the rafters. If you have an8' ceiling now maybe only 9 or 10 feet would be enough. At the exterior wall where you have  roof edge (eave), the ceiling would follow the slope of the rafters up to the new ceiling height. Then you would run new ceiling joists/collar ties completely across from the back rafters to the front, leaving the remaining section of the original ceiling joists in place. There are variables that need to be worked out based on span and existing roof pitch. You might have to connect the new ceiling joists at midspan to the ridge.

   Don't try and do this based on my description, seek out a professional.

   Good luck.

4. 
   Huck | Aug 18, 2005 08:41am | #4

   I agree that someone needs to assess the job on-site. Some issues that should be addressed: Are the existing ceiling joists serving as rafter ties? How will the rafter bays in the vaulted area be vented? Will there be adequate room for insulation in the vaulted area? Is there any structural bracing, plumbing, ductwork, or electrical wiring in the attic above the existing ceiling that might be affected?