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Cathedral Ceilings - To Vent or Not To Vent...

Fri 22 Dec 2006 - 12:07

Cathedral Ceilings - To Vent or Not To Vent...
By Phillip Rye

Cathedral ceilings are dramatic, beautiful and very popular. In fact, I receive many calls concerning them and many of the house construction plans I review show true cathedral ceilings. A true cathedral ceiling is one where the roof structure is a roof rafter, which has roofing on one side and a finished ceiling on the other side.

We have long been told that it was necessary to provide ventilation through that cathedral ceiling to prevent moisture problems. I have known for many years that this made no sense. I first became aware of the lack of need for ventilation for these ceilings when I was attending a church where an entire roof assembly, made with wood tongue and groove boards on top of wood beams, had no ventilation and there was never a moisture problem.

How is this so? Consider this for a moment. When driving through the mountains in northern Arkansas, one nice spring day, I saw an A-frame vacation home. The thought occurred to me - "Does that home have a roof or are they just walls?" I'll let you answer that.

Some of you will say "walls," some will say "roof," and I'll say "both." Now, according to the codes, if it is a roof, it has to be ventilated. But if it is a wall, it does not. So, I simply say that a cathedral ceiling has two sloped walls. Aren't I terrible? Slap my hands, now!

So don't worry about putting ventilation in your cathedral ceiling. Use cellulose or foam insulation, just as you would use to insulate the walls of your home, and pack the entire cathedral roof assembly with it. This process is now permitted by most building codes in America.

Discover how you can have a more comfortable home and have lower utility bills guaranteed at www.dougrye.com.

Doug Rye is a nationally recognized energy consultant and licensed architect. Doug also host the "Home Remedies" radio talk show that is broadcast in 15 states.

Phillip Rye is a licensed engineer and has spent the past 15 years studying energy efficiency and energy conservation.

Discover how you can have lower utility bills guaranteed! Visit http://www.dougrye.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Phillip_Rye


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