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ceiling fan in SIPs

tjink | Posted in General Discussion on September 19, 2008 01:14am

How do you attach a ceiling fan to SIP roof panels or cabinets to wall panels?

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  1. frenchy | Sep 19, 2008 02:08am | #1

    tjink

      I don't know about ceiling fans let me think and I'm sure I can come up with something..

      The most secure way to attach cabinets to SIP's or ICF's is with a french cleat

      On the other hand my upper cabinets are held on right now with nothing more than Piffin* screws.  More just to do it than anything else.  (I've got to tear them down in the near future when I finish the whole kitchen right now everything is temporary)..

     (if you aren't familar with Piffin screws they are simple sheet rock screws) 

  2. User avater
    BillHartmann | Sep 19, 2008 03:08pm | #2

    First of all have you checked with the SIP manufacture to see if they have any details.

    Baring that I use a metal box where you could get at least 4 screws around the edge. Then use #8 or 10 coarse thread screws.

    What is the ceiling finish like? Could you attach a larger wood board (medalion)?

    .
    .
    A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
    1. frenchy | Sep 19, 2008 04:42pm | #3

      BillHartmann

       Excellant thinking!  I was just about to come on and suggest something along those lines myself..

       I would screw it rather than nail it due to vibration caused by the fan's motion..

  3. User avater
    jonblakemore | Sep 19, 2008 05:49pm | #4

    Don't most SIP roof panels have some type of framing members in them? If you had to, you could excavate out the OSB skin and 1" of foam and install a 2x8 block between the structural members.

     

    Jon Blakemore

    RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA

    1. frenchy | Sep 19, 2008 06:37pm | #5

      Jon

        No

       But you could do as you suggest although it would be massive overkill.

        Jon, SIP's are 200% stronger than the same thickness stick built wall..

       I wish I could convey just how much stronger they are to you.  You'd have to use them to really understand..

        How about this.  I put a SIP panel on top of my walls spanning the full 30 foot width of that part of my house.  A couple of guys and I then stood in the middle of that panel (laid down flat)   and pulled up the rest of the panels and stacked them up plus all the timbers for framing.   I never noticed any sag while we did all that!

        Could you ever envison doing the same thing with a 2x4 wall laid flat? 

      1. tjink | Sep 19, 2008 09:34pm | #6

        Frenchy,
        I understand the strength of the SIPs, but will regular screws through the OSB support a ceiling mounted fan? I would be afraid that the screw wouldn't have enough bite into OSB to support the fan. How would you recommend adding adequate blocking or support?

        1. User avater
          MarkH | Sep 19, 2008 09:35pm | #7

          Use toggle bolts.

          1. User avater
            BillHartmann | Sep 19, 2008 09:41pm | #8

            With toggles I am afraid that you would need dig out too much foam.I think that molleys are similar would be better..
            .
            A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.

        2. frenchy | Sep 19, 2008 09:48pm | #9

          Tjink

            Use fine thread screws not the coarse thread ones.. use more of them and If possible install it on a medallion or some sort of decorative plank..   predrill that plank and then the screws will really clamp inot the OSB..

  4. TomW | Sep 20, 2008 02:05am | #10

    French cleat for cabinets. For the ceiling fan I would glue and screw a peice of plywood the same thickness as you ceiling finish  and a bit larger than the fan base, maybe 8"x8". If you are sheerocking then mud it in and paint it. You now have 1" thickness to attach your ceiling fan to. Do you have an electrical chase run up there already or are you going to surface mount conduit?

    Use PL adhesive to glue the ply base to the SIP osb.

     

  5. RedfordHenry | Sep 20, 2008 03:49am | #11

    I'm getting ready to do my first SIPs house and asked the SIP guy the exact same question, and blocking in general.  He said not to worry, the OSB skins can hold whatever we need to hang.  I'm a little concerned about hand rails on stairs though, we shall see... 

  6. hvtrimguy | Sep 20, 2008 04:00am | #12

    not an expert at all on sips but installing cabinets over the years I have seen my share of different fasteners. They make hi low thread fasteners, large dia shank screws, thin shank screws, you name it. look for one that is recommended for particle board and try those. some of them specialty screws bite pretty well.

    "it aint the work I mind,
    It's the feeling of falling further behind."

    Bozini Latini

    http://www.ingrainedwoodworking.com

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