Vaulting ceilings

[Kama Ward]

I've made an offer on a ranch house. If I get it, it will be my first ranch rehab. It could really benefit from vaulting the ceiling. I've vaulted the ceilings in small places before where it was easy and obvious, but never anything major. This would be over a 25'x26' area encompassing both sides of the ridge line. The roof is shallow, I'm guessing 4-5 feet higher in the center. It was built in 1961.

What have been your experiences with vaulting ceilings? What should I look out for? What's been your cost range? Any other tips for ranches?

[Don Konipol]

Vaulted ceiling are totally out of date where I live. However, There are many ways to modernize the mid century ranch. Check out dwelling magazine

[Marcus Geiser]

You can use a scissor truss. After demo you use 2"x6" to build the trusses.
30 2"x6"x16' or 20'
28 sheets of drywall hung and finished
Lighting, Wiring, Switches

Approx. Materials and Labor $2000-$2600

https://www.google.com/#hl=en&gs_nf=1&cp=10&gs_id=16&xhr=t&q=scissor+truss&pf=p&output=search&sclient=psy-ab&oq=scissor+tr&aq=0&aqi=g4&aql=&gs_l=&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&fp=9477da177e11ec0e&biw=1249&bih=545

[Emilio Ramirez]

If you have trusses you will not be able to vault the ceiling without major structural modifications. You will have to consult a structural engineer and you will basically be rebuilding the roof.

If your roof is conventionally framed with rafters, it will be easier to vault your ceiling. I would still consult a professional and be aware that removing the ceiling joists can have serious structural ramifications. In addition to the ceiling joist, there is usually a secondary horizontal member on conventionally framed roofs called a collar tie. Both of these members are usually required by code for a conventionally framed building. However, one or both or parts of them could be removed if the new structure was designed by structural analysis.

A residential framer should be able to give you a better idea and be able to recommend an engineer who could help you out with this.

The horizontal members of a roof system keep the roof from pushing the walls over.

[Kama Ward]

@Don Konipol - Vaulted ceilings are desirable here. We had basically no population growth from the mid 60's to the mid 90's, so almost no new homes then. We missed out on the 'great vaulting' of the late 70's & 80's. So I guess people do not associate it with the dated past.

I haven't looked at Dwell for a while, so I will pick up a few copies and refresh.

Marcus Geiser & Emilio R- Thanks for the tips, I didn't get in the attic yet. Have not seen trusses in houses around here until much later, but will definitely scrap the idea if there are trusses.
It would be totally worth it if I could use the scissor truss idea and budget!! There is no hvac in the attic.