Replies

1. 
   AitchKay | Dec 09, 2008 04:50pm | #1

   I read this when you first posted, and couldn't figure out what you were describing. From the lack of responses, I'm guessing I wasn't the only one.

   What's the situation -- conduit runs going across the ceiling? The walls, maybe?

   Where does the 5/8 cdx come in? What does it do? Do you have to cover it up? Or are you going to use it yourself to cover something else up?

   What are you calling a bulkhead? To me, they're dividing walls, often watertight, in boats.

   Are you describing chases that run between upper and lower units? If so, they probably need to be rated assemblies. What does the inspector say?

   "What do you do ... to keep them thin?" Whatever it takes, usually. If you're just covering up runs of 1/2" conduit with no connectors (not likely), 1x furring might do. Steel studs and hat channel are good.

   "some chases are 10 inches wide and some are 20 inches all about 12 ft long..." How many are there? I there really are lots of these, consider building out the entire surface (ceiling? Wall?). As long as there's sufficient headroom to meet code, that would probably look cleaner.

   Tell us more, and I bet you'll get more posts.

   AitchKay

1. 
   MikeSmith | Dec 09, 2008 06:08pm | #2

   shoe...  i don't know what a bulkhead is

   to me they're cellar doors

   got any pics ?Mike Hussein Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

1. 
   calvin | Dec 09, 2008 06:29pm | #3

   Mike, from the description I'm going to cast my vote to these being soffits to cover up the mechanicals.  He's probably not sure of methods to minimize the thickness of the framing needed to hang board.A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.

   Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

   http://www.quittintime.com/

    

2. 
   AitchKay | Dec 09, 2008 06:41pm | #4

   I've heard that usage start to creep into the language, too -- probably because it sounds so much like Bilco, a brand name for those doors which has gone generic, like thermos and kleenex.BTW, I see that the spell-check program accepts the lower-case thermos, but says I should capitalize kleenex.Aitchkay

2. 
   inperfectionist | Dec 10, 2008 12:51am | #5

   If your talking about what a lot of folks call soffits, yes, you can make good use of "metal stud" type products to build these.

   Using the metal, you can quickly build straight, strong "bulkheads", w/o losing a lot of space.

   I think your best bet is to go to the website for these steel suppliers.
   I seem to recall getting a bunch of ideas there a few years back.

   One thing to keep in mind, is sometimes your building something that has to be a fire stop also. I've had inspectors take issue w some of my techniques.

   You can often easily do w steel what would a PITA any other way.

   Good luck, Harry

1. 
   Piffin | Dec 10, 2008 01:49am | #6

   I think he is talking soffit like over cabinets. I've seen it called bulkhead before someplace. 

    

   Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

1. 
   Biff_Loman | Dec 10, 2008 02:57am | #7

   Everyone calls 'em bulkheads around here. I've never, ever heard them referred to as a 'soffit' before.

1. 
   sariqNL | Dec 10, 2008 03:33am | #8

   casing in mechanical/wiring could be a bulk head, i have also heard them called soffits some place but i think the soffit is only the bottem of the unit. in my area we call them chases. steel studs are a great way of constructing chases as the studs are only three sided leaving space inside. keep in mind that for steel studs BX wire is to be used i think. BX may only be necessary if the wire is fed through the cutouts in the studs, as in a wall assemblies. i think the original post is trying to cure something to do with a ceiling. a good way to hide ceiling protrusions is to build false beams, creating a faux-box beam ceiling. good luck.

2. 
   AitchKay | Dec 10, 2008 04:40am | #9

   Who you callin' Bulkhead, BULKHEAD??AitchKay

1. 
   Shoemaker1 | Dec 11, 2008 03:54am | #10

   Hi all
   Up here we call a horizontal Chase a bulkhead, I know it is a nautical term also! I thought soffits were out side under eves or build out from the to of a cabinet up to the ceiling (decretive) .
   All wire contained inside the joists, no problem there just trying to fit kitchen cabinets under.
   Original material 1/4 inch ply and 2x4's. inspector said 5/8 CDX in every ceiling.
   trying to hide vents, ducts A/C lines and a beam. and of course it is U shaped so trying to get them all level and consistent width. HMM
   Well I scratched head till near bleeding.
   I decided to just start and with some 1 5/8 steel studs, some hats. Level plumb, bob chalk line. Drew it on the floor. The middle of the U had barley any wear to attach anything. Took a couple L shaped tornado clips and and a 1/4 inch piece of ply to have an adjustable starting point. Worked off the bottom of the beam as a height.
   Today we started attaching drywall and so far so good. We have sucked up the ceiling bulkhead about 2 1/2 inches and home owner happy as hell. Home I smell a christmas bonus!
   Last thought a Bulkhead is also some one who's ego is so big they have to turn there head to fit threw a door. I'm sure you will think of someone you know that fits the description!
   BB

2. 
   inperfectionist | Dec 11, 2008 04:25am | #11

   Shoe,Just where is "up here".Where are you located??H

3. 
   Shoemaker1 | Dec 13, 2008 06:20pm | #12

   Fort Qu'Appelle Sk, Canada
   You can find it on Google Earth neat program.
   The owners husband came yesterday and tried to rattle the bulkhead and it didn't move a bit. I was happy he was suprised!!
   Thanks all for the help Have a happy holiday season stay warm
   BB

4. 
   PatchogPhil | Dec 13, 2008 06:40pm | #13

   Post some pictures here,  of the BEFORE,  DURING and AFTER.

    

    

     

   Quantum materiae materietur marmota monax si marmota monax materiam possit materiari?

5. 
   drozer | Dec 14, 2008 03:25am | #16

   who calls?

   my parents were both from the regina area.

   i'll always remember my dad telling me the story of the name of the place where you live.

6. 
   timothale | Dec 13, 2008 07:04pm | #14

   First you need to check the fire code requirements . I usually block off with 5/8 fire rated sheetrock or 2 x lumber. some inspectors will let you use TIGHTLY packed fiberglass insulation. 2 x 2 sheetmetal angle used in metal stud work doesn't take up and space and you can use flat commercial air condution hanger strap for center supports,  vice grips and drill point screws make the job go fast.

7. 
   allaroundcobber | Dec 14, 2008 02:27am | #15

   he shook it because big Mike up there in canada showsyou on all of his shows that he can shake everyones bulkheads. I also think that is where is most of us have heard of the "bulkhesd".

   Maurice