HO asked me to swag her chandelier to a spot midway between ceiling joists.
I estimate chandelier weight at 12 pounds.
35 year old house. Assuming 1/2″ drywall and joists on 24″ centers (there is no floor above, just a flat roof), how much weight can a 3/8″ toggle bolt bear?
If not a toggle bolt, what is the best way to hang a chandelier on a swag hook between ceiling joists?
BruceT
Replies
In spite of the fact that everything may be alright, and there are products with super holding claims, I wouldn't suspend anything from ceiling drywall. Murphy has his own agenda.
Either locate the hook left or right on the joist or open the ceiling, place blocking and repair the ceiling.
Think of the disaster pending when the HO decides to upgrade to a fancier, heavier chandelier. Your fault, you betcha bippy.
you could also use a fan support rig that slips through a 3 1/2" hole and grabs the framing
I agree with the others that said it's not a good idea to rely on drywall alone.
The thing is, 12 pounds is like nothing and you could easily hang it using almost any type of toggle bolt... BUT as the years go by, that constant 12 pound tug in one spot, combined with a little bit of seasonal movement and eventually you could have nails popping or drywall sagging.
And if there ever is a roof leak, the chandelier could come crashing down.
Cutting and repairing the drywall is not that big of a deal, but don't forget about repainting the whole ceiling since matching paint on a repair can be difficult.
The adjustible fan bracket with a hooked trimmer escutchion is the way to go.A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
Assuming 1/2" drywall and joists on 24" centers
It should be 5/8" drywall on 24" centers.
Since it is a chandelier, are you going to be installing an electrical box ? The term swag would indicate that a box is not in the ceiling and you are going to use a chain and hook for the fixture, then loop the cord/chain over and down to a wall receptical.
As other have said, blocking is your best fix. If it is out of the budget, get a signed wavier for the liabilty, and hang it with toggles. 5/8" drywall is a lot stronger than 1/2".
Maybe a stud finder and a little luch will let you cheat it off the proposed location a few inches and you can hit a joist ?
"It should be 5/8" drywall on 24" centers."Yep, it should, but I have found 1/2" lids in several houses I've worked on here in Huntington Beach - mostly built in mid 70's.Chandelier hangs from a box now. Homeowner wants to move it about a foot north and 10" west.
BruceT
Get the retrofit bracket made for paddle fans. Cut the hole in the ceiling and slip the bracket up through and secure per the instructions. They are designed for heavy loads and will buy you piece of mind for 13 bucks or so.
That's exactly what i was thinking to. There are a variety of ceiling fan mounts, from on beam to off the side to middle of span - he's best off picking the spot then opening the ceiling to see what's there.Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
Also a CRX fanatic!
Save the Whales! and Guns!
5/8" drywall on ceilings? Never seen it. We use 1/2" ceiling board. Much lighter, just as strong.
It may work, but it's not recommended.
Take a look on page 7 here:
http://www.usg.com/USG_Marketing_Content/usg.com/web_files/Documents/Installation_and_Appl_Guides/Shtrkgypsum_panel_and_joint_treatment-installation_guide.pdf
1/2" ceiling drywall is specifically made to replace 5/8" on 24" applications. It is much stiffer than regular 1/2", but not much heavier. It has been used here for at least 20 years. A regional thing?
Thanks for the clarification. You are indeed correct: http://www.nationalgypsum.com/literature/110554.pdf
I've never seen it for sale, but I don't generally purchase from drywall distributers.
The decreased weight means a smaller dent in your head from the button on your cap when you use your head to hold the sheets up.
5/8" drywall on ceilings? Never seen it. We use 1/2" ceiling board. Much lighter, just as strong.
I beg to disagree--the 5/8" I've used has always been reinforced with glass fibers throughout and it noticeably stiffer and stronger than half inch (also, harder to score and snap!).
The 1/2" ceiling board is not like standard 1/2" GWB. The ceiling board is a high strength product made for 24" centers. Much nicer to use than 5/8".The only drawback to 1/2" ceiling board is that it lacks the fire rating of 5/8" GWB so it may not be substituted in all cases.
If it's a flat roof, then there ought to be some wood up there. The trick would be to not penetrate the wood.
I'd go with a fan box. They can be put in from underneath it you have no access from the top.