Structural Question From a Mechanical Guy

[vc66]

Hi All-

This is probably a simple question for you structural guys, but I want to make sure I'm correct in my thinking.

I have a house, and I'd like to vault the ceilings. It's a one-story, with only attic space on the second floor. Attached is a rough schematic of the layout. It's an older house, wood-frame construction (pine). All the joists are 2x8's, 16" on center. Based on the layout attached, I basically just want to take out the ceiling. Foundation is good. No cracks in any of the joists that I can see. Based on the static load calcs I did, it looks like it should be fine, but I wasn't sure if there was something I was missing.

I'm going to hire a Structural Engineer to help me, but I want to make sure it's feasible (without much extra work) in the first place.

If I'm missing any important info, please let me know.

Thanks for all the help, in advance.

V

 

[msquared48]

If they are connected preoperly to the rafters, ceiling joists that rest on the wall top plates can also be considered collar ties as they limit lateral spreading of the walls.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

 

[BAretired]

I still got it wrong. Should be R*x - wL^2/2. I know...I should think before writing.

BA

 

[SLTA]

buttresses!

seriously though, you could consider sprayfoam insulation to get the required R value in a thinner space. I think it's about an R value of about 6 for 1" of closed-cell foam (depending on the supplier etc).

 

[InDepth]

vc66, it is possible to detail this out. Go ahead and hire a competent structural engineer.

 

[TheParp]

Thanks SteelIPE,

Very usefull the picture!

 

[vc66]

Got the structural coming in on Saturday.

Will let you all know how it goes (if you care ).

V