I was screwing some insulation to a drywalled ceiling over floor trusses spaced 24″ OC. The screw spun as if there were no wood behind the drywall. I thought, OK, somebody, probably an electrician, drilled a hole in the truss for a pancake box but changed his mind. So I moved the screw down the truss an inch or 2, but the screw still couldn’t find wood. So I moved the screw up the truss an inch or 2, but the screw still couldn’t find wood. So now I’m wondering what else could be the problem? The ceiling shows no evidence of a sag from whatever the issue is.
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Replies
The truss may not be where you think it is.
If your truly in doubt, grab a stud finder.
Before I began installing the insulation, I located all of the truss ends and snapped lines between them. This location is the ONLY place in the 400 square foot ceiling where there's no wood. Which is why this is so weird, and why I'm asking for a plausible explanation.
One question that comes to mind when I read your post is why are you screwing insulation to a ceiling? Also insulation is installed before sheetrock and runs between your trusses so locating then would be no issue. I guess I just don't follow what your referring to in the way your saying it.
As far as screws spinning either your off your marks a missing the truss or your screws are too short. I can't think of any other reasons.
This is a remodel situation. If it were new construction, of course the insulation would be going in before the drywall.
Did you even consider that there may be lumber running perpendicular to the trusses to level out the ceiling and that's what the drywall is attached to?
This is a tract house built in 2005 in Georgia. No one furs floor or roof trusses here since they are always flat enough to accept drywall. I have also seen into the joist bays previously when I was installing a chimney, and there were no furring strips.
How far between where it is and where it isn’t?
About 2 feet.
Even in a remodel situation I've never screwed insulation onto sheetrock . I live in Georgia as well and the first time anyone has ever described going the route you are. None the less good luck with your project. Try running longer screws if your confident your over top of wood.