Hoisting heavy sheets to second floor of remodel
darnpotter
| Posted in Construction Techniques on
I have gutted a huge 2 story house. Will need to hoist dozens of subfloor sheets and countless drywall to the second floor. Stairs and brute force not an option. I am a 5’4″ woman of average strength. Would like to buy or rent a sturdy “portable” hand operated or electric sheet lifter that would let me lift and slide 4×8 sheets through the 16″ floor joists to the second floor. Does anything like that exist? I’ve only found scissor lifts used from the exterior but it’s a masonry building with small windows. Ceilings are 10′ tall…. so at least 8′ lift is needed. Many thanks for any ideas!
Replies
quick thought is what size are the windows? is there any opening on the second level that a 4 ft "high" sheet would through for delivery truck with a boom for delivery.?
next thought is a pulley system sling to haul up the sheets using the attic/roof rafters as an attachment point, probably need a few extra hands to do it.
good luck
Thank you for the reply. Unfortunately, windows not an option. Masonry house, small windows. After reading more....considering buying an electric hoist, attaching a superstrut to 4 attic joists (perpendicular to the strut) and building a sling basket for the sheets. But now worried that 1" bolt holes joists aren't meant to support so much weight. ??
use simpson hardware or a screw-on tie-off anchor. distribute load over at least two framing members if you are going to do something home-brew.
although much easier to rig something up with a duct-lift. you'll need a clever way to keep the sheets vertical. also you should get a drywall cart for first floor and for second floor.
If you can’t find a drywall supplier with a boom to shoot your sheets through a window I’d rent a drywall lift. One person can crank a sheet up through floor joists. There is even a motorized version available you could possibly find for rent. If you’re planning on hanging your own drywall this would be a great tool for you as well. Many are available on Craigslist or the like because homeowners use them for one project and sell them. The harbor freight version is only $150. You might still need help getting sheets on it. It would be a great job for a high school student if you can find one nearby.
https://www.toolrentalplace.com/equipment.asp?action=category&category=23&key=160%2D0170
Thanks very much for the reply. Sadly, windows not an option. Will check with local rental if sheetrock lift will go up 12' and hold subfloor sheets (weight limit)
Hi! I understand your challenge. Yes, there are portable sheet lifters that can help. You might consider a manual or electric pulley system or a telescoping lift table. These can lift heavy sheets through the floor joists. Look for products specifically designed for interior use and compact spaces. You can search online for 'portable sheet lifter' or 'interior material lift' to find options. Additionally, consider consulting with a contractor or equipment supplier for personalized advice. Good luck with your project!
Thank you!
You can also rent a Genie https://www.genielift.com/region-selector
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When transporting heavy sheet metal to the second floor of your renovation, consider using a pulley system or renting a crane for efficiency and safety. Ensure proper planning, supervision, and use of appropriate lifting equipment to prevent accidents and property damage.
Wow, that sounds like quite the project you've taken on! Kudos to you for tackling such a big job solo. As for your question, I'm not sure about specific products, but have you considered reaching out to local equipment rental companies or construction supply stores? They might have some solutions or be able to point you in the right direction.
Thank you! Yeah, it's quite a thing ;-) I think I'm narrowed in to an electric hoist that I'm going to attach to ceiling joists. The local rentals only had large scissor lifts... and the way the house is configured, the stairs to the front door... well, you know.
Nice! All the best for your project. Regards, https://www.archideal-home.com/product/sedacia-suprava-na-mieru/
Just wondering, what are the dimensions of the windows? And are there any openings on the second floor big enough for a delivery truck with a boom to pass through?
Another idea: Perhaps we could set up a pulley system to lift the sheets using the attic or roof rafters as anchor points. It might require some extra hands to manage. Wishing you the best of luck with it!
I think what you want is to rent what is called a “material lift” or sometimes called and “HVAC lift”. It’s hand operated, reasonably light, and can be taken apart to fit into tight spaces. Lift capacity is usually somewhere in the 300-400 lb range, I’ve had great success with them in the past. Your local equipment rental company should have them , or know where you can get one.
https://www.sunbeltrentals.com/equipment-rental/forklifts/material-lift-10-14/0440089/