I just bought a small ranch style house build in 1935. All the joists, studs, and everything is 2 feet on center with 2x4 roof rafters, 1x6 ceiling joists and a 1x6 ridge beam, with IM pretty sure 2x6 exterior walls, also 7 1/2 foot ceilings. And everything seems to be ok.

So with a little bit of background on the house I ask my question and IM no sure if it is structurally possible. I would like to raise the ceiling to 8 1/2 or 9 feet. I understand that its going to be valuated a little /----\ I have no problems with that. my concern is are those existing ceiling joist doing anything to begin with by being so small. If I raise the ceiling and put thicker boards like 2x8 also remember that the roof rafters are 2x4 and 2 feet on center. Could I just attach the new ceiling joists to the existing roof rafters and carriage bold them in and support that with a new load bearing wall int he middle ( sorry the room is 25' wide and 18' long which will include on one side a living room and the other side a master bedroom with a bathroom) Above is only attic, and the kitchen and 2nd bedroom are off the back that was added in the 50's. Doesn't seem that it can be that big of a problem to do IM more concerned about the house maintaining its structure and not compromising anything.


Correction....the ceiling joists are 2x6 not 1x6 but the ridge beam is still a 1x6... Thank You Doug

 

Kiefer3535,

I am assuming that the 1x6 ceiling joists are actually 2x6. With all that you mentioned this process will take some doing.

Am I to understand that what you will end up with is a tapered, coffered ceiling, maintaining the existing roof system?

If this is the case then what you are proposing is feasible. Once you have all the drywall/plaster removed from the ceiling, you can still maintain the 2' on center without adding more ceiling joists. I do stress that all precautions should be made to ensure that the roof system is sound and stable before proceding.

I recommend adding a 2x6 sistered to the existing rafters just past the point of where the new raised height would be. This will reinforce the load that is placed on the exterior wall. From this point, place your new 2x6 ceiling joists
horizontally. By applying the carriage bolts at the point of where the 2x6's intersect, you will have a sound and solid ceiling system. With application of 5/8" drywall for this 24" O.C. placement, as 1/2" would sag, you're done!

An alternative is you so desired and if this was feasible, cost wise, would be to remove the entire roof system within this area and add height to your exterior walls and install new roof trusses. This would provide a more impressive height and allow you to make a "boxed" tray ceiling. This also may provide a new and improved look to your home from the exterior.

Hope this helps!