In the process of reroofing the house I found the kitchen roof framing so termite damaged I tore out the old rafters and joists and started from scratch.
The difficulty arose when my wife saw what the kitchen would look like with a “vaulted” ceiling. She loves it rising from 8feet to ten and a half feet at the highest point.
It does look kind of cool but I think it undermines the architectural integrity of a turn of the century house to finish off the kitchen with the sloped ceiling as the rest of the house is 10 1/2 foot flat ceilings.
I would appreciate any thoughts on the pros/cons of a vaulted ceiling?
I am thinking in terms of architectural consistency, heating, cleaning (spiderwebs), lighting, etc.
The old ceiling was flat for half of the span and sloped for the other half and very poorly finished off in the interior. It was probable just a porch originally and converted to a kitchen forty or more years ago.
The house is simple but it is on a historic property and it is well worth keeping the houses architectural origins intact. For those that might recall it is on the same property as the house that Grant did the diamond shaped copper shingles for two bugle shaped turrets.
Thanks,
Karl
Replies
Sound like you already know your
answer.
If you want to keep it true to the original
stay flat.
In the battle between architecture and keeping the Wife happy, which one do you THINK should win ???
When you lay down in bed tonight, it ain't gonna be no architect you wrap your arms around...
If your roof framing is termite damaged you might want to take a closer look at the wood at foundation level.
A cathedral ceiling requires a structural ridge beam to cary the loads that would be resisted by the ceiling joists acting as rafter ties.
The entire insulation and ventilation system is different for a cathedral ceiling because there is no attic space and because warm moist air collects in that raised area, pushing more moisture up into the more limited space.
So you have to start by replacing the ridge board with a beam selected to carry that roof load and then assess how you will insulate and vent.
and train those termites to go visit the in-laws.
;)
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cathedral cielings are taxed at a higher rate than flat,
you should raise any return air vents in the room to the highest point,
they only look good in "squarish" rooms, not long and narrow ones,
if it's a kitchen, the cabnets can look "stranded" on a big wall,
everything Pif said, and
if you don't do what she wants ...
"cathedral ceilings are taxed at a higher rate than flat"
That's a new one on me. I wonder how wide spread that is?
When I make a joke, nobody gets injured...when Congress makes a joke, it's the law. [Will Rogers]
up here (ottawa, ont) you can get a list of all the items that go into your overall assessment, sloped cieling, water or "vista" view, pot lights, lots of other stuff ..
Like Boss, I doubt that is very common.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Just went through re evaluation here in NY.
Looked at all their assessment notes, and no mention of
the cathedral ceiling.
Only you really know the answer, because there are a lot of specifics that would influence the decision. A vaulted ceiling can still retain some good character ... and it is only 2 1/2 ft ... although you could compromise if that appears too steep. If this is a hardcore retention of style, that may warrant the flat approach, but it sounds like it really isn't as it sounds like the room was a bit of an afterthought or renovation anyway.
Look within grasshopper ... therein lies your answer ... just don't p*** off the wife.