Expert: Dave Johnson - 10/26/2007

Question
Hi, I need help with my latest project. I have asked several contractors, two local builders and even an engineer and all of them have given me different answers.
I want to redo my ceiling to a vaulted ceiling, but I want to take the middle wall out to get one big room. Here is what I have; the roof is stick built with 2x6 rafters and 2x6 ridge every 4 rafters they put a 1x6 tie. The center wall runs the length of the ridge with 2x6 ceiling joist resting on it. Other info: outside walls are 2x4 construction, the width of the room is 24’4” from outside wall to outside wall, the ridge length is 22’6”, ridge to floor is 12’10”, I have been told that the pitch of the roof is a 4, and I am located in eastern PA.
How and what is the correct way to accomplish this task?


Answer
Hi Jerry,
My personal preference if it were my house would be to remove all the existing drywall and insulation and build
(in place) scissor trusses. The inside pitch would have to be a 2/12 (half of the roof pitch).
Again, personally I don't care for a 4/12 pitch anyway, so consider taking the entire existing roof away and using factory scissor trusses with at least a 5/12 pitch.
Mail me if this isn't enough.
Dave