Opening my ceilings to expose the attic structure
#1
12-09-10, 05:39 PM
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: United States
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Opening my ceilings to expose the attic structure
I would like to remove my drywall ceiling in my 1940's ranch to open to my attic. I've been reading posts & other web articles. Most discuss making changes to the structure in order to create a vaulted ceiling. I actually like seeing the structure of the house & would rather leave it as it is Installing insulation & wallboard against the roof as needed. I think it would create a visual effect of more space over my living room dining room & kitchen. Even thought I could open 1/2 the ceilings in bedroover but keep the ceiling over the closets which becomes the floor to a loft closet with a ladder. Could be bookcases big screen tv, place for the cat to hang out or the kids to play. Is this a workable idea structurally? If so, do u known if it would it increase or decrease the value? It doesn't seem like it would b very expensive. I like open exposed kooky things & many like status quo so I don't want to do something really expensive & end up putting it back together should i ever sell. Thx!
#2
12-10-10, 03:41 AM
Welcome to the forums! First consult an engineer. Now, how will you deal with the joists that are holding up your sheetrock? Remove them? What will keep the walls of your house from bowing outward? They are there for a reason. An engineer would be better able to tell you if it is doable or not.
As for the kooky things, just remember, buyers of houses are ready to sink all they have into a house. They aren't into kooky things, and it may turn them off. A well designed set of nooks and crannys would be good, just keep it under control. Opening the ceiling up may be a good thing if done properly. Keep it symmetrical.
As for the kooky things, just remember, buyers of houses are ready to sink all they have into a house. They aren't into kooky things, and it may turn them off. A well designed set of nooks and crannys would be good, just keep it under control. Opening the ceiling up may be a good thing if done properly. Keep it symmetrical.
#4
12-11-10, 06:45 PM
Group Moderator
I remodelled a home a couple years ago doing basically what you are suggesting, but it was a little more involved because the house had a roof with 2 different pitches on each side of the ridge. (nothing is ever easy, is it?)
An engineer needs to be involved, he/she will tell you exactly what can/cannot be removed and what must be done to ensure the exterior walls and roof won't collapse.
In the case of the house I mentioned, the engineer required that ceiling joists be left 4' OC. Here's a pic.
Turned out pretty cool, but I bet they have ice dams in the winter with only 5 1/2" of insulation and no ventilation. I hope they spray foamed it!
An engineer needs to be involved, he/she will tell you exactly what can/cannot be removed and what must be done to ensure the exterior walls and roof won't collapse.
In the case of the house I mentioned, the engineer required that ceiling joists be left 4' OC. Here's a pic.
Turned out pretty cool, but I bet they have ice dams in the winter with only 5 1/2" of insulation and no ventilation. I hope they spray foamed it!
