What is a groin vault a groin vault is a structure?

A groin vault is an arched structure normally made of brick or stone that’s designed to support a ceiling or covering of a room. To make a groin vault, builders create two barrel vaults, shaped like a half circle (or top of a barrel), and cross them in the middle at a perpendicular or right angle to form an X.

How does the groin vault enhance the interior of a structure?

Groin vaults and buttresses The main advantage of the groin vault is that it takes all the weight of the roof and concentrates it on just four points at the corners of each bay (each X).

Did the Colosseum have groin vaults?

The edges formed by their intersections are called groins. A series of groin vaults were used to form the largest and tallest parts of buildings like the Baths of Diocletian and the Basilica of Constantine. On a smaller scale, groin vaults commonly formed corridors like those of the Colosseum.

When should you vault a ceiling?

If your home is a modest-size, single-story tract home with standard, 8-foot ceilings, it’s an ideal candidate for vaulting a ceiling. Depending on how steep your roof pitch is, vaulting a 20-by-20-foot room creates a new ceiling that’s 11 to 12 feet high at its peak. The price isn’t low, though.

Why was the groin vault made?

It provided the opportunity to build without massive supports and allow better illumination than the barrel vaults, thanks to the use of larger windows. During the gothic period, the groin vault was replaced by the more advanced rib vault.

What’s the difference between a barrel vault and a groin vault?

A barrel vault (also called a cradle vault, tunnel vault, or wagon vault) has a semicircular cross section. A groin (or cross) vault is formed by the perpendicular intersection of two barrel vaults. A rib (or ribbed) vault is supported by a series of arched diagonal ribs that divide the vault’s surface into panels.

Can you vault a ceiling yourself?

You’ll have to remove the entire roof structure to vault the ceilings. Also, before you start the work, consult a—structural engineer to make sure the collar ties are in the right place to prevent the walls from spreading apart—after the ceiling joists are removed. The carpentry itself isn’t that difficult.

Does vaulting a ceiling add value?

Vaulted ceilings can add value to your home. Rooms with vaulted ceilings tend to have larger windows, which means that natural light can more easily fill the room. Regardless of the energy costs, vaulted ceilings generally add value to a home.

How is a groin vault formed in a room?

A Groin Vault is formed by intersecting two barrel vaults, or curved ceilings. A groin is the curved intersection of the two vaults. Vault intersections can be an inside or outside groin, both use the same process to create a template.

How big should the ceiling be for a groin vault?

Your groin vault will come with simple instructions making installation a breeze. Measure the long side of your groin vault to the nearest 1/8”. Measure the short side of your groin ceiling to the nearest 1/8”. Choose a rise for your groin ceiling kit to the nearest 1/8”.

What kind of drywall to use for groin vault?

Drywalling a groin vault is comprised of measuring the curvature, cutting the drywall to the curvature, forming and fastening in place. Wetting the back of the drywall (as shown in the video) will make the drywall easier to bend. For a tighter radius, consider using a double layer of either ¼” or ¼” flex drywall.

How to choose a rise for a groin ceiling?

Choose a rise for your groin ceiling kit to the nearest 1/8”. Enter the location (place) where the groin ceiling will be installed in your project (for example: Dining Rm, Gallery Hall, Entry, #1 Groin Ceiling). Every groin ceiling kit comes with tailored installation instructions to your specifications.