Remodel on a 1960s ranch, 2x6 rafters at 24 with a 2x8 ridge board, 24-foot span, 6/12.

Structural concerns:

1. Thrust force increase - Removing ceiling joists eliminates the tension tie that resisted rafter thrust. Your 24' span at 6/12 with 2x6 rafters @ 24"o.c. now relies solely on the 2x8 ridge board for resistance. This is likely undersized for the increased loads.

1. Ridge board adequacy - A 2x8 ridge board may not handle the concentrated thrust forces from a 24' span without ceiling joists. Consider upgrading to a 2x10 or LVL beam sized for the load.

1. Wall spread - Without ceiling joists tying walls together, rafter thrust will push walls outward. Monitor for gaps at wall plates or leaning walls.

1. Rafter connection - Ensure rafters are properly secured to the ridge board with appropriate metal connectors (not just nails).

What's coming:

• Potential wall spreading within 6-12 months
• Ridge board failure under sustained load
• Drywall cracking as rafters deflect
• Possible ceiling joist connection points failing at the remaining sections

Immediate action: Install temporary rafter ties (2x4s) across the vaulted section at mid-height to prevent wall spread until permanent structural reinforcement is designed. Consult a structural engineer for proper sizing of ridge beam and any needed collar ties or knee braces.

Code reference: IRC R802.4 requires ceiling joists to be continuous or adequately tied to resist rafter thrust. Removing them requires engineered alternatives.

You have created a structural failure in progress. Stop work immediately.

The Problem: Ceiling joists are the rafter ties resisting outward thrust. Removing them turns your ridge board into a ridge beam carrying the full gravity load, while the rafters push the exterior walls out. A 2×8 ridge board cannot span 24 ft as a beam (IRC R802.3), and 2×6 rafters at 24″ OC lack the capacity to act as a rigid diaphragm without ties.

What’s Coming:

1. Ridge sag (deflection > L/240).
2. Wall plate rotation / outward push (look for gaps at top plate/siding, cracked drywall at wall/ceiling corners).
3. Rafter heel failure (splitting at the birdsmouth).
4. Collapse risk under snow/live load (IRC Table R301.5).

Code References:

• IRC R802.3.1: Rafter ties required unless ridge is a structural beam.
• IRC R802.5.2: Ridge beam must be sized for load (your 2×8 is ~1/10 required depth for 24' span).
• IRC R802.3: Rafters must be framed to ridge board or bearing wall; you have neither now.

Required Fix (Engineer Required):

1. Install a structural ridge beam (likely 3-1/2×14 LVL or steel) with posts to foundation.
2. OR reinstall collar ties/rafter ties per IRC R802.3.1 (lower 1/3 of rafter height) with engineered connections.
3. OR install knee walls bearing on load path to foundation.

Do not drywall. This masks movement. Hire a structural engineer today to design the repair. This is not a carpenter’s judgment call.