Does anyone know if there is a standard that homes were built at about 90 years ago to be able to judge what the height of the space between the the finished ceiling and the roof beginning?
I can put aruler in a hole in the finised ceiling and it seems to go up 17 inches. Does that seem normal?
Old masonry may look tough, but the wrong mortar can destroy it—here's how to choose the right mix for lasting repairs.
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial NowGet instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
Replies
to judge what the height of the space between the the finished ceiling and the roof beginning?
Depends on the "where" of it.
The thickness of the ceiling joists, the thickness of the rafters, the pitch, all affect the distance being measured.
I'll guess that you mean a cathedral ceiling, one applied to the bottom of the rafters, or perhaps to parallel or semi-parallel ceiling joists, then (sadly) the answer is "it depends."
I've seen that distance be as small as the 2x4 rafters used. I've seen it be a couple of feet, too.
Need more info.
Yeah, especially in a house that old there's no telling.
With this ceiling height of 17 inches with cotton batting insulation installed already years ago can you tell me if I can leave the lats in place and put drywall over it so that I can have a finished look without letting all that insulation fall out? Or is there a way to trap it so that I can still use it if I remove the lats as well?
17 inches of insulation is quite a mess and also too much to replace if not necessary. I also want to put 2 caninster lights in so really need some advice on this. Thanks
OK, I have read your posts over three times now so I think maybe I can see what you have and what you are needing to know.That first Q about what is the normal space there at the "beginning" of the roof only distracted me and seems to have nothing to do with your goals.What you really seem to need to know is whether you can leave the Lathe ( not lats) that was part of the plaster ceiling. The answer is a definite yes.You should probably use a VB stapled up and use IC can lights, and thermo caulk at the edge of them to the SR to keep moisture from migrating into the attic space.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
"I can put aruler in a hole in the finised ceiling and it seems to go up 17 inches. Does that seem normal?"
Not really. A ruler is normally only 12"
;)
i've seen that space vary from 9" up to maybe five feet
Welcome to the
Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
where ...
Excellence is its own reward!
Not really. A ruler is normally only 12"
Yeah. OP is confusing me.
He's got a ruler that might be a yardstick. He's measuring through a ceiling, but wonders if he can install drywall over cotton (cotton?) insulation, which is in latts (?) between either ceiling joists or roof rafters (?) . . .
I was thinking that thiswas a cathedral ceiling, but now wonder if this is a behind-a-kneewall-attic sort of space, being aproached from below.Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
I admit to making a lot of assumptions to read what he wrote. I took lats to mean batts, but it could have been lathes.I pictured a flat ceiling with the roof above being pitched at maybe 1/12 so at the perimeter it might be 12" and at the far end maybe 26" or thereabouts. A hole from a ceiling can removed would easily bee around 17"But I had to do a lot of assuming and overlay some of my own experiences where the voids were.All those little towns in Texas have numberous places downtown with stores that were built about like that between parapet walls - brick all around.He might even have a dropped ceiling that leaves 17" space everywhere.....
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
All those little towns in Texas have numberous places downtown with stores that were built about like that between parapet walls - brick all around.
That was on my mind, too--not having Profile info to the contrary
He might even have a dropped ceiling that leaves 17" space everywhere
I was hoping that might not be the case, actually--more complications not any better.
My other fear is that this is a lean-to, or previous lean-to, addition--excepting that's a Cassandar-like cano-o-worms to even disturb on the pantry shelff, let alone wave an opener around . . . Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
or he might have a 12/12 cape style....I don't think the ruler has a thing to do with his real question which never came out until his second post.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
I can stand up i my attic ...
does that help?
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
I always thought you were taller than that.
So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin
yuo must be really short...Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
but he's much taller in China
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Maybe its a flat roof, and the 17" is consistent. Is it vented? Too much guessing here.If you didn't have time to do it right the first time, how come you've got time to do it over again?
Sorry yes it is a flat roof and I belive it is a constant 17 inches across but I have not knocked the ceiling down yet. Sorry for the confusion but you guys are entertaining.
Gee, we've been called lots of things, but never "entertaining".
So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin
speak for yourself - entertain is my middle name!
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Fentertain?
So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin
As Piffen said, cover it. I think your only real issue is whether the existing is properly vented.If you didn't have time to do it right the first time, how come you've got time to do it over again?