I can't imagine a canvas ceiling indoors unless it is a decorative ceiling. In that case, any insulation should be above the permanent ceiling.

Nope - nothing above this ceiling.

I know this is a very old ceiling style (house is from 1850) and wet canvas was stretched and as it dried shrunk to create a very, very smooth ceiling. They were often removed over time, but I still have 3 of them (one downstairs and two upstairs.) One has blown in insulation over it, but not the other.

after a lot of research, it painted with calcimine paint, but I've never seen anything regarding trying to insulate the thing. I'm wondering if there might be a weight issue : /, so am seeking some type of weight/canvas ceiling tolerance chart.

Or maybe someone who has dealt with the same issue, and how they may have solved this situation. THanks!

PS - Yes, it wobbles just like a painting canvas when you touch it.

That's certainly a new one on me.

Settled cellulose has a density of approximately 2.3 lbs a cubic foot. Cut that in half for 6 inch thick coverage and you have about 165 lbs. for a 12x12 room. As important as the weight-bearing capacity is air tightness.

I would use ceiling joists above the canvas to which you can attach gypsum board, seal it tight and blow in insulation above that.

I would worry about ancient threads giving way under the weight of anything.

Thanks everyone.

I'm not sure what's over this ceiling as there's no attic assess to this area and the attic space is essentially non-existant due to the amazingly flat pitch of this New ENgland roof. I've decided to open an access through a closet to find out.

Don't necessarily want to destroy this ceiling, but I think I can figure out what's above this this way.

Will determine a way to proceed after figuring out what's really there.

Thanks for the calculations. This really helps!

They are beautiful ceilings. Will do more searching too, as someone out there must know more about the building of these things. : )

I'd love to see a picture of a canvas ceiling.
can you post so we can see it from inside the
room...and on top if you get access to attic
above it?

tia &
best of luck.