Replies

1. 
   KenHill3 | Apr 12, 2009 09:20pm | #1

   Not a very good way to attach 1/4 ply, too easy to shoot/pull through. You may want to add some construction adhesive if you you really gotta use the 16ga nailer.

   Attaching ply with small-headed nails is just not very reliable. A narrow-crown staple gun would be perfect.

1. 
   smllr | Apr 12, 2009 09:25pm | #2

   Thanks for the prompt reply. You gave me the answer that I was sort of hoping for -- an excuse to buy a new tool.

1. 
   JMadson | Apr 13, 2009 02:15am | #4

   The staples will also make the job a whole lot easier. Two or three well placed staples and you can let go of the board, especially 1/4" ply. I agree though that 3/8" will look better. 

    

2. 
   Piffin | Apr 12, 2009 10:45pm | #3

   Use at least 3/8" unless you are going for the saggy baggy look and some real nails or screws.

    

    

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3. 
   BilljustBill | Apr 13, 2009 02:43am | #5

   If the attic is vented and moisture flows in and out,and

    if you are on 24" centers, it's really going to sag...  More so on days of rain or high humidity...  1-by material for strapping on 16" centers might help, but using adhesive will help.  Lowe's is running sticks of PL-200 adhesive for $1 each.

   The thicker, the better, but remember thin plywood is just kindling if a fire breaks out and you'll have no fire barrier between your stuff and the roof...

   Bill

1. 
   smllr | Apr 13, 2009 03:23am | #6

   Bill,Actually the ceiling will be for the lower level of a two-story building that's 65+ years old. The joists are 4*6s on 16" centers. I am planning on insulating between the joists and using the plywood to keep the critters out.

   Edited 4/12/2009 8:42 pm ET by smllr

1. 
   BossHog | Apr 13, 2009 03:30am | #7

   I'd be less worried about sagging and more worried about fire spread in a garage.
   Organized people are just to lazy to look for things.

1. 
   smllr | Apr 13, 2009 03:39am | #8

   The garage bays will not have doors and I'll be using the bays to store my riding mower and an ATV. What material would you suggest that I use for the ceiling?Thanks,
   Steve

1. 
   BossHog | Apr 13, 2009 05:06am | #9

   Drywall is at least not flamable. It's not a prefect fire stop, but it doesn't contribute to a fire.
   Money isn't everything. But it sure keeps the kids in touch.

2. 
   AitchKay | Apr 13, 2009 05:13am | #10

   Ditto.AitchKay

3. 
   BillBrennen | Apr 13, 2009 09:59am | #12

   Double ditto. Drywall is cheap and perfect for this application.

4. 
   Dam_inspector | Apr 13, 2009 05:36am | #11

   Someone once suggested a metal material used on pole barns. I don't think it was siding or roofing but could have been, I remember it was fairly light and white.http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages?msg=30984.2

   Edited 4/12/2009 10:40 pm ET by Dam_inspector

2. 
   rdesigns | Apr 13, 2009 06:26pm | #13

   Because of the 2nd floor above, which I assume will be living space, it is critical to use drywall for the ceiling as a fire barrier. Not that it will absolutely stop fire spread, but it will slow it down to buy more time for escape and/or fire fighting.

   Today's codes actually require such a fire barrier, not just for ceilings, but for garage walls if there's living space on the other side.

1. 
   smllr | Apr 13, 2009 08:49pm | #14

   Thanks for the info. The building is actually an old barn/grainery. I'm going to use the second floor as a shop.