Expert: Dan Griffin - 8/22/2008

Question
Hi Dan, Thank you for your informative answer on adding a ceiling. I am curious if the roof system I mentioned in my prior note needs to be beefed up. You stated that the roof system was unusual as did the two contractors I had quote on remodeling the room. Should I add the ceiling joists to tie every thing together or do you think I would be ok to just add the gyp to the rafters? I do prefer the look of the cathedral as the adjoining room is cathedral. The contractors that looked at the room were a little taken back by the excisting roof. One said no problem, he did not say how he would fix it the other said I needed to tear it off and start over. One of my thoughts was to build it like a truss the other was just to add drywall to the rafters. I just don't need the thing falling in on me after adding the weight of the gyp.

Thanks again

Answer
Brian, there must be something more that is keeping these walls together.  I can't see what would keep the double plates from spreading without ceiling joist members, but then it has not fallen down so far.  Look very carefully at the line of the ridge beam from the gable end to the center tie, I suspect that you have a slight dip on each side of the center tie and that the outside walls have a corresonding bulge - this condition will contiue to get worse depending on wind and snow loads.  The load of a 1/2 drywall ceiling should not be enough heavier than the drop ceiling you removed to cause collapse.  Without seeing it, I defer to fellows who can.  It is possible to create what is known as a scissors or cathedral truss, but the complications of doing so almost don't seem worth the hassle.  Removing the existing roof and replacing it with engineered cathedral trusses is simple and straight forward, but may not be cost effective in your plans.  If you are looking for something unusual that will work with your existing single center tie you might look at a coffered ceiling that would allow you to add additional  ceiling joists:  
http://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/2007/02/coffered_ceiling_picture_idea.p...

Let me know what you decide to do.