Interior designers have been raving about high ceilings for quite some time. Admittedly, they indeed look gorgeous and effortlessly make any room seem more airy and spacious. Most older homes feature high ceilings, but many have become less popular in the last few decades.
Now, they are finally making their comeback, and many homeowners have decided to jump on this trend straight away. And with a good reason — they create the illusion of added square footage and increase home value.
If you are looking to purchase a new home or simply researching renovation ideas, factoring high ceilings into that equation is a must. We’ve come up with a short guide that will help you learn everything you need to know about high ceilings, including endless design options and various magnesium oxide uses that can help you protect them.
Roof Structure Support
The building industry has come a long way since its beginnings, especially when it comes to multipurpose building materials like magnesium oxide panels. Such innovations sped up the construction process significantly. However, some things, like raising ceilings, still take time. If your home doesn’t come with high ceilings, you need to consult a structural engineer.
Bear in mind that this is not something you could do on your own, regardless of how crafty you are. A professional will estimate the overall costs, and more importantly, alter the roof framing for structural stability. However, this will only be possible in the case of a standard stick-built roof. Otherwise, raising a ceiling is not recommended for safety reasons.
Higher the Ceiling, Higher the Cost
Once you have determined whether your roof fits the bill and you can indeed raise your ceilings, you’ll need to go over your budget. Any adjustments you make to your roof might break the bank. These adjustments include roof framing as well as installing new drywall (in some cases). Alternatively, you could use magnesium oxide panels as they have the same purpose but are more affordable.
Experts suggest putting everything on paper. Explore all of your options and look for more sustainable and affordable options. This will provide a clearer picture of the potential costs that will help you factor in any surprises during the renovation.
Sensitivity to Temperature Fluctuations
Another thing worth mentioning is that high ceilings are more sensitive to sudden changes in temperature and extreme weather conditions. What’s more, since they consume more energy than regular ceilings, having a uniform temperature can become a challenge.
Rather than going with regular gypsum sheathing, consider using MgO sheathing instead. These panels come in various thicknesses and have impressive mold and mildew resistance. While the vast magnesium oxide uses are widely known, especially in the context of MgO flooring, not many people know that these panels can be used both indoors and outdoors. This makes them a perfect choice for both your roof and your raised ceiling.
Endless Design Options
What makes high ceilings so appealing is that they are a dream come true for any interior design fan. Feel free to play around with different styles to make your home stand out. For instance, you can use light, flowy curtains for a more elegant look that resembles Italian villas.
If you have a fireplace, make it pop by building a statement stone wall. For possible art connoisseurs, display your favorite pieces that will run the entire height of your walls to impress your guests. Exposed beams are also an excellent way to show off your ceiling, so consider adding some if you don’t have them.
Upped Home Value
Lastly, what makes high ceilings so great, aside from their obvious aesthetic appeal, is the fact that they add value to your home. Therefore, all of the money and effort you put into this remodel will pay off if you ever decide to sell your house.
Over the past few years, high ceilings have become a very desirable feature, according to real estate agents. In fact, they claim that high ceilings can increase a home’s value up to 25%.