my ranch has very low 90 inch ceilings. I'd like to do one of two things. I understand the integrity of the roof thing. At the very least I'd like to raise the ceiling joists by 6 inchs in one 12 foot x 16 foot room. 4/12 pitch 2 x 6 joists resting on top place, nailed to rafters. House is 24 feet wide, most rooms the joists join in the middle over the center wall. This room abuts an 8 ffot room behind it where the joists are joined. Pretty typical for a ranch. All I would do is attach new joists, wider if necessary up six inchs on the rafters and raise the wall where they join 6 inches so they rest even. Ideally I would raise it 2 feet and run a 20 foot 2 x 6 from rafter to rafter front to back and raise the center wall. I would even put a beam under the ridge if necessary, as there is a clear path down to the foundation. I've read over a hundred posts on different boards and no one will say yea or nae. Answer is always consult a structural engineer. Someone must have done this as there are a lot of inquiries about it. Thanks for any help.

Sounds like what you want to do would result in the ceiling being held by nails into the sides of the rafters, and not resting on the outside walls.

This would not be to code, and all the weight would be held by nails and not the bearing walls.

It may work, but not up to standard building practices.

Good luck Roger

Thanks for the input, never thouht about the ceiling just the roof support. Room is 12 x 16, I suppose I could run a beam under the new height. Anyone raised their ranch ceiling before.