Ahoy! Roof Experts

[ChiefChris]

PAUL - Go with a hand-framed roof...but use at least a 2x12 for the rafter so you can get R-38 in the ceiling the span is only about 17' at a 4 pitch (easliy with a 2x12spf@24" o.c.)... Keep in mind - the ridge bears no down load...the rafters are carrying all the load the ridge has only horizontal forces acting on it....So, the ridge can be a lesser material than the rafters. It's the rafters that need to consider deflection. You could use an 2x12spf for rafters with a 2x10 ridge in 10' lengths.

George, I've never heard of either of those terms...(ridge skylight or Belvedere skylight). I called this a cupola....

There's going to be a a huge chandiler hanging there...(same as the one in their great room pictured) - over a water fountain.

I'm not familiar with the sun-tube either - how would that incorperate?