OT: Roof framing, alteration Options

[thomasotten]

I have an existing roof on my house that is pitched and creates a cathedral type ceiling underneath. I am considering increasing the pitch of this roof, for ascthetic reasons mostly, but also to add insulation to the roof, which I don't thick is adequetly insulated. There is no attic space right now, so I cant' be sure of the insulation, although it gets hot in summer time. I want the final roof to be 12/12, and to do this, I would need to raise the ridge by about 2'. From the ridge, I would then run rafters down to the bottom of the roof fascia. Instead of raising each rafter up and causing a mess, I am considering building a structure over the exsiting roof, and then sheathing over. That way I don't disturb the ceiling. I was thinking of also doing this in phases, keeping the existing shingles on as a I go. What do you think?

[r_towle]

be careful to investigate the fire code.
In MA, when you pull a permit to add or change the primary dwelling, you now get the pleasure of upgrading your entire house to the new fire code for alarms.

Rich

[banger]

I had a similar situation. I have a cathedral ceiling, which had no isulation, and would get very hot in the summer. When it re-roofed the house, I removed the shingles, and got down to the bare roof decking, then added 3" foam insulation, and then new decking on top of the foam. I also added a radiant barrier on top of the foam. Granted it doesnt work as well without an airspace under it, but still provides some benefit. Adding radiant barrier, and a light colored roof made a big difference in the house. Even in summer with 110 degree temps, the air conditioning usually doesnt come on until 3 or 4 in the afternoon.