Everything You Should Know About Barrel Vault Roofs

There are many different types and styles of roofs that you see throughout the U.S. Among them, a barrel-vaulted roof is a popular roof style with an interesting appearance. 

McClellands Contracting and Roofing, LLC, is your team of local roofing professionals serving Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas of Pennsylvania. 

In this article, as the title says, we will discuss everything about barrel-vaulted roofs, from how they are constructed to their cost. 

To discuss your existing roofing system or an upcoming project with our experts, call us today at (412) 353-5660.

Why Are Barrel-Vaulted Roofs Popular? Are They Really Worth It?

Barrel vault roofs have stood the test of time, with some structures dating back to ancient civilizations like Egypt and Mesopotamia. These curved roofs have experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years, and for good reason. The semi-cylindrical shape of barrel vault roofs creates unique visual interest.

The popularity of barrel vault roofs is because they combine both performance and appearance. This roof style provides a spacious, open feeling inside buildings. You might have noticed these roofs on high-end homes, modern commercial buildings, and even renovated historic structures.

Whether this roofing style is worth your investment depends on your property’s needs and your aesthetic preferences. If you're looking for a different architectural feature that adds visual interest to your property, a barrel vault roof is worth considering. 

The curved design not only looks impressive but also creates excellent acoustics in large spaces, making them ideal for concert halls, churches, and other venues where sound quality matters.

Later in our article, we will discuss the pros and cons of barrel-vaulted roofs. Understanding them will help you decide if this roof is right for you.

Where Are Barrel Vault Roofs Commonly Used?

This roofing style is generally only used on specific building types. Here, we will take a quick look at the most common types of properties where barrel vault roofs are found. 

👉 Religious centers: Churches, cathedrals, and temples often feature barrel vault roofs to create a sense of awe and reverence.

👉 Public buildings: Museums, libraries, and government buildings utilize barrel vault roofs to create impressive, monumental spaces.

👉 Transportation hubs: Many historic train stations and modern airports incorporate barrel vault designs to cover large waiting areas.

👉 Commercial spaces: Shopping malls, restaurants, and hotels use barrel vault roofs to create memorable, distinctive environments.

👉 Residential architecture: High-end homes and custom-built houses may feature barrel vault ceilings in entryways, living rooms, or dining areas as a premium architectural feature.

👉 Educational buildings: Modern schools and universities sometimes incorporate barrel vault roofs in auditoriums, libraries, and hallways.

The interesting appearance of barrel vault roofs makes them suitable for both traditional and contemporary architectural styles.

What Are The Pros of Barrel Vault Roofs?

Before making a decision on whether a barrel vault roof is right for your building, it's important to understand the benefits these distinctive roofs offer. Here are the key advantages:

#1 Aesthetic Appeal

Barrel vault roofs provide a unique, elegant appearance that sets your building apart from others. The curved ceiling creates a sense of grandeur and sophistication.

#2 Superior Strength

The arch design of barrel vault roofs distributes weight effectively, creating a strong and durable structure. This architectural element has been used for centuries because of its structural integrity.

#3 Excellent Acoustics

The curved surface of barrel vault roofs naturally enhances sound distribution, making them ideal for spaces where acoustics matter, such as performance venues or large gathering areas.

#4 Increased Ceiling Height

The arched design creates more vertical space, making rooms feel larger and more open. This added height can make even smaller spaces feel more expansive.

#5 Versatile Design Options

Barrel vault roofs can match almost any architectural style, from traditional to modern. They can be constructed with different materials, including wood, metal, glass, or concrete.

#6 Weather Resistance

When properly constructed, barrel vault roofs offer excellent drainage capabilities, preventing water from pooling and causing damage. The curved shape also easily handles snow loads.

#7 Energy Efficiency

The curved design can create natural air circulation, potentially improving energy efficiency in certain climates and building designs.

What Are The Cons of Barrel Vault Roofs?

While barrel vault roofs offer many benefits, they also come with some challenges that you should know before making your decision. Here are the potential drawbacks:

#1 Higher Construction Costs

Barrel vault roofs typically cost more to build than traditional flat or pitched roofs due to their complex design and specialized construction techniques.

#2 Specialized Skills Required

Installing a barrel vault roof requires specialized knowledge and skills. Not all contractors have experience with this type of construction, which can limit your options.

#3 Potential for Leaks

If not properly designed and constructed, the curved surface and joints in barrel vault roofs can be vulnerable to water infiltration.

#4 Maintenance Challenges

The curved surface can make maintenance and repairs more difficult and potentially more expensive than flat or pitched roofs.

#5 Limited Insulation Options

The curved shape can make traditional insulation methods more challenging, potentially affecting energy efficiency.

#6 Not Suitable for All Climates

In areas with heavy snowfall, barrel vault roofs may need some extra design considerations to ensure proper snow shedding and to prevent structural issues.

#7 Building Code Considerations

Some local building codes may also have specific requirements for barrel vault roofs, which can add complexity to the permitting process.

How To Build A Barrel Vault Roof

Now that you know the construction, usage, pros, and cons of a barrel vault roof, you can make the right choice for your building. 

Knowing these steps doesn’t mean you should install the roof yourself. Rather, knowing these steps will help you make sure your project is completed seamlessly. 

Materials Required

Before starting with the steps, we will quickly look at what materials are needed to install a barrel-vaulted roof.

⛏️ Structural framework: Curved rafters or trusses made from wood or steel.

⛏️ Sheathing: Plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) to cover the framework.

⛏️ Underlayment: Roofing felt or synthetic membrane to provide a moisture barrier

⛏️ Roofing materials: Metal panels, shingles, or tiles designed to conform to curved surfaces

⛏️ Fasteners and connectors: Nails, screws, bolts, and metal plates or brackets for securing components

⛏️ Insulation: Rigid foam boards or spray foam to enhance thermal performance

⛏️ Flashing and Sealants: Metal flashing and appropriate sealants are used to prevent water infiltration

Step-by-Step Instructions

#1 Plan Your Barrel-Vaulted Roof

👉 Consult a structural engineer or architect to create plans that meet local building codes and can support the curved roofing structure.

👉 Determine the span, rise, and radius of the barrel vault roof. This will guide your framing and roofing materials.

👉 Obtain necessary permits and order all materials, including curved rafters or trusses, sheathing, underlayment, and roofing material (metal, shingles, or tiles).

#2 Prepare the Building Structure

👉 Ensure the supporting walls or framework are level and capable of bearing the load of the barrel vault roof.

👉 Install a central support or ridge beam along the length of the area where the barrel vault roof will be constructed if required by your design.

#3 Set Up the Arch Layout

👉 Measure and mark the positions where the curved rafters or trusses will connect with the existing structure.

👉 Use a string line or flexible batten to outline the curve of the arch on the supporting walls or framework.

#4 Construct the Curved Rafters or Trusses

👉 Create templates for the curved rafters based on your design specifications.

👉 Cut and assemble the curved rafters or trusses, ensuring they match the desired arch profile and are consistent in shape and size.

#5 Install the Curved Rafters or Trusses

👉 Position the curved rafters or trusses at the marked locations.

👉 Secure them to the supporting structure using appropriate hardware, ensuring they are plumb and evenly spaced.

#6 Add Purlins and Sheathing

👉 Install horizontal purlins across the curved rafters to provide additional support for the sheathing.

👉 Attach the sheathing material over the purlins, following the curve of the rafters, to create a smooth, continuous surface.

#7 Apply Underlayment and Roofing Material

👉 Lay down roofing underlayment over the sheathing to provide a moisture barrier.

👉 Install the chosen roofing material, making sure it conforms to the curved surface and is secured according to manufacturer guidelines.

By following these steps, professionals construct a durable and aesthetically pleasing barrel-vaulted roof that enhances the architectural character of your building. 

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Barrel-Vaulted Roof?

The cost of building a barrel vault roof will vary based on several factors, making it important to understand the potential expenses before committing to this architectural feature.

As we discussed in the cons section of this article, barrel vault roofs are more expensive than traditional flat or pitched roofs because of their complex design and specialized construction requirements.

For a basic barrel vault roof, you can expect to pay anywhere from $8 to $20 per square foot, based on the materials used and the complexity of the design. This is significantly higher than the $7 to $10 per square foot you might pay for a standard gable shingle roof.

What Are The Factors That Affect The Cost Of Your Barrel Vault Roof? 

#1 Size and Span

Larger vaults or those with wider spans require more materials and often more complex engineering, increasing costs.

#2 Materials

Here is a brief classification of how the choice of materials will affect your overall costs. 

👉 Wood framing with plywood sheathing is generally less expensive.

👉 Steel frameworks are more expensive but provide greater strength and durability.

👉 Glass panels for skylights or full glass barrel vaults are among the most expensive options.

👉 Concrete barrel vaults require specialized formwork and reinforcement, adding to the cost.

#3 Complexity of Design

A simple, uniform barrel vault with varying sizes, intersecting vaults, or decorative elements will cost less than one.

#4 Labor and Expertise

Barrel vault roofs require specialized skills and experience, which typically means higher labor rates. In areas where these skills are scarce, costs may be even higher.

#5 Location

Regional differences in material costs and labor rates will affect the overall price of your project.

#6 Finishing Details

Interior finishes, insulation requirements, and exterior roofing materials all add to the final cost.

For a residential application, such as a barrel vault roof in a single room, you might spend $10,000 to $30,000, depending on the size and materials. For larger commercial applications or entire roof structures, costs can easily run into hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Professional Roof Installation In Pennsylvania

At McClellands Contracting and Roofing, LLC, we are your local roofing company, here to provide professional roof installation services for your property. Whether residential or commercial, our team has experience working on all types of roofing systems. 

From simple roof designs like gable roofs to complex designs like barrel-vaulted roofs, we will make sure your roof is installed perfectly so that it lasts beyond its expected lifespan. 

To discuss your roofing project with our professionals, feel free to reach out to us today at (412) 353-5660.