To lower this ceiling I thought I’d nail up ledger boards and then toenail ceiling joists to them. It then occurred to me that maybe nails aren’t enough?
The joists are old heavy 2×4’s that span about 7 feet. They will have 5/8″ DW + cellulose insulation.
Do I need–or should I use–hangers? And, does the ledger need lag bolts, or are nails adequate?
Thanks.
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Replies
can't hurt.....
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
I've done the same multiple times without hangers and never a problem for something that small.
Notice that your roof rafters do not have such accessories at join to valley rafter which is only a 2x4. If you are going to have a failure, that is where I'd expect it. I think I'd try to fit a 4x4 in under that valley or do something else to beef it up
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If you do not use joist hangers then I would pity anyone who might have to get above that ceiling at a later date. Joist hangers are cheap compared to rework.
Are you talking about a human being crawling around there?
Looks to be 12" of space is all!
Any human small enough to fit in that space with insualtion there is small enough they won't overload the joints, hangers or no! LOL
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Larry Haun has talked about using "pressure blocks" between the joists. These are cut to fit (e.g. 14 1/2") blocks nailed tight to the ledger between the joists.If I was on site with no hangers/angles handy, I would consider this. If I was planning ahead for it, I'd throw a few angles into the budget.AitchKay
I'd go with the above mentioned pressure blocks. Joist hangers can be a pain getting drywall to lay flat. If they're not necessary go for the blocking.
Chuck
I agree about hangers and GWB. That's why I said I'd go with angles.AitchKay
The point is that joist hangers are so cheap and will prevent any possible problem with the material above the drywall from coming down. It appears to me that the structural integrity is dependent upon the ability of the nails to hold and not bend.
We always hang ceiling rock before walls. Hangers wouldn't hurt but I doubt it'll solve cracks from being a constant issue.
some A-35s would add strength without getting in the way of a flat SR fit too I suppose, but the SR does not need to be tight at ceiling corners....oops, the wall SR is already up on this one - never mind....
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"It appears to me that the structural integrity is dependent upon the ability of the nails to hold and not bend."
Which is also true of the nails holding the joist hangers. The shear strength of two nails each end is more than adequate for any materials they are likely to be supporting.
You probably wouldn't be too comfortable using some of the site-built scaffolding I make :)
Over the years I have seen many many things in scaffolding that would make one cringe. I saw some things in Mexico that made me feel as though they think life is worth very little. When I was many years younger I set up things that I would consider dangerous today. I almost lost my left thumb at the age of 22 and spent a few days in the hospital because of negligence and being in a hurry. It cost me a few months time of no work and I had to drop out of college for one quarter. I can remember the days when I would move the end of an extension ladder to get to another place. I would rock it back and forth to move it while I was at the top because I did not want to get down and bring my tools with me and then walk back up the ladder. Fortunately I never fell. Years ago when I was much younger and after having my supervisor fall 45 feet to his death I have never been the same since. I saw what it did to his wife and kids. I take a lot more precautions now. With suit happy people today, I am not willing to take the risks I once did when I was much younger.When I was learning to fly one old man told me that there are old pilots and there are bold pilots but not many old bold pilots.
I cant tell for sure from the pic, but are those ledgers installed on TOP of the drywall? If so then I would definately lag bolt them. As far as the hangers I would probably put them in because its easy and cheap insurance.