Vaulted Ceiling – Its Types, Advantages and Disadvantages

Today modern architecture often goes for vaulted ceilings. These ceilings give an up-to-date complement to the majority of constructions. The structure of your ceilings can determine how your space looks and feels.

The vaulted ceilings have different types with distinct features. Each type of ceiling has a significant impact on your design choices. So, you can enhance your vision easily by reading the below article.

What Are Vaulted Ceilings?

A ceiling that is slanted upwards toward the roof is called a vaulted ceiling. It is higher than the normal ceiling. The vaulted ceiling gets more fame day by day.

A vaulted ceiling gives a modern look to an architectural building.  This ceiling can be incorporated into different kinds of designs.

Types of Vaulted Ceilings

Below are the different types of vaulted ceilings. They are well explained according to their design.

1. Elongated Dome Vaulted Ceiling

It is a very common type. It is commonly used in constructions project. This type of ceiling is one of the better options for a rectangular roof. If you want to maximize your room space, then it is for you. It helps to make a room look wider and more spacious. Its structural design makes an airy room of your home.

This type of ceiling is the modified version of a dome vaulted ceiling.  Both types have a resemblance between them. But the dome vaulted ceiling is one of the most popular ceilings. These ceilings are used in vault buildings. Thus, the beams are used to shape the dome. They are used to secure them. It plays a major role in the two ceilings.

2. Barrel Vault Ceiling

Vaulted barrel ceilings have a fairly plain appearance.  They consist of simply one arch. This arch runs the entire length of the space. This type of ceiling makes a room simple and elegant at the same time. And you can make a design of the ceiling that makes it appear more attractive overall.

This type of ceiling works very well for Hallways. Hall rooms benefit greatly from barrel vaults.  They can provide an amazing design structure for the hall room. This also looks fantastic in media rooms and foyers.

3. Groin Vaulted Ceiling

This type of ceiling is made up of two-barrel type vaults. They should have the same width and length. These vaults are interlocked to create groin-vault ceilings. These ceilings give a fantastic look to your room.

But these kinds of vault ceilings are more difficult to install. Their installations need skilled or professional labor. Two intersecting vaults always separate by the borders called ‘groin’.  Sometimes, the groin-shaped vaults’ arches are constructed in a pointed manner.

4. Cloister Vaulted Ceiling

There are different spring lines and spring locations in the cloister vault ceiling. At certain locations in which it starts to curve. The reason behind this curving is the arch on a wall. Sometimes, these arch go in the same direction. This gives the impression of being a vault for cloisters.

5. Pitched Brick Vaulted Ceilings

An architecture structure constructed with a diagonal brick approach. This approach is usually known as a pitched brick vault ceiling.

This ceiling’s design has a link with the first millennium B.C. Mesopotamian architecture. Its non-centered layout continues to be well-liked.

Read Also: All You Need To Know About False Ceilings

6. Cove Vaulted Ceiling

It is one of the most common types of vaulted ceilings. The secret to softening the overall appearance of your space can be a cove ceiling. Cove ceilings may give your room a smooth and trendy look.

It is appealing by rounding off the corners and edges of the ceiling. The living space becomes modern by using this structural design.

7. Dome Vaulted Ceiling

It is one of the most popular ceiling designs among constructions. A dome is inserted into a flat ceiling. It creates the widely used of this ceiling. They often just cover a portion of the ceiling. Any attempt to expand the size of a dome ceiling makes it more challenging.

Crown moulding is used to create a dramatic impression without increasing the dome. It is also used to highlight the vaulted ceiling. These can be selected for entering lobbies or hallways. They prove the best construction design for entrances. But they are not advised for bedrooms. Most people use this ceiling for any prominent area of their house.

8. Grome Vaulted Ceiling

This ceiling combines the dome and the groin-vault ceilings. These two separate types of vault ceilings make grome type. This type of ceiling can give your room a captivating feel. It can make a distinctive appearance to your construction.

9. Rib Vaulted Ceiling

 Rib vaulted ceilings are built by using diagonal stripes and diagonal ribs. These ceilings are similar to groin vaulted ceilings. Rib vaulted ceilings also have a succession of arches. They form strips to ensure flexibility and durability.

10. Fan Vaulted Ceiling

 This type of ceiling is also similar to a rib-type ceiling. Fan vault ceilings are made of smaller ribs. These ribs are spaced evenly. That’s why; it gives the impression of a fan. The beam is supported along the entire length of ceilings.

11. Igloo Vaulted Ceiling

Igloo vault ceilings are also known as lunette vault ceilings. They are just barrel-vault ceilings that have had arches cut out of them. Windows and other objects can be placed under these arches. The placement of the material is done without blocking the ceiling.

Advantages Of Vaulted Ceilings

Some Pros of vault ceilings are as follows: 

1. This ceiling gives a more architectural appearance. It gives the impression that gives a wider look to your room.
2. The best source of ventilation is provided by the vaulted ceilings.
3. it also helps in lowering the room temperature.
4. Almost all home design styles may work with this ceiling.
5. You can use empty or dead space in ceilings by building vaulted ceilings.
6. It gives an attractive and elegant appearance to a room space.
7. Vault ceilings help in conserving energy. It offers a green construction solution and provides the most natural light.

Disadvantages of Vaulted Ceiling

The major drawback of a vaulted ceiling design is:

1. It uses so much energy for air conditioning to lower the room temperature.
2. Vaulted ceilings are higher than normal. So, loss of heat during winter is another drawback.
3. The height of the vaulted ceilings makes it difficult to clean the exposed beams (if any).
4. It’s difficult to paint the ceiling and replace the light bulbs or fixtures.
5. These ceilings come at a higher expense during construction.
6. In moist areas, it can lead to mold growth and condensation on tall windows.

Cathedral Ceilings Vs Vaulted Ceilings

Some major difference between Cathedral ceilings and Vaulted Ceilings are as follow: 

Cathedral Ceilings	Vaulted Ceilings
1. The Cathedral ceiling has a distinctive peak at the room center.	1. A vaulted ceiling resides under the roof and it does not have a separate peak.
2. It has equal sloping sides in the architectural structure.	2. It does not follow the roof’s pitch and construct with more styles.
3. It has symmetrical designs.	3. These ceilings are not assured by symmetry. They are constructed with different roof shapes.
4. This type of ceiling is famous for religious architecture.	4. This ceiling originated from the traditional style. But it is evolved with time. Now, it has a variety of styles and has become a less traditional option.
5. They are less costly to install.	5. They are expensive to install as compared to the cathedral ceiling.
6. It is a traditional option for customers.	6. It has a lot of varieties that’s why it is a less traditional option for home.

Also Read: 25 Different Parts of roof 

FAQ

Conclusion

In architectural structures, ceilings add height and appeal to your project.  If it is not properly installed, the ceiling feature and ceiling detail give a small room appearance.  Vaulted ceilings are a considerable investment in the overall design of your building.  So, if you love the style, you should go for it. It makes your home wider, airy, and bright.

Also Read: Different types of paints are used in building construction