what is the best way to mount 2×4’s to a metal ceiling which has concrete on the other side. i think it’s called Q decking. the 2×4’s are on the flat, the ends are resting on steelbeams, the span is about 10 feet, the metal ceiling is about 1/8 thick with 2″ of concrete on top. what kind of screws do i use, also i have to drill through metal and then conrete, after that it will be sheetrocked. this is inside a large garage. thanks for any advice.
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
The RealTruck AMP Research Bedsteps give you easy access to your truck-bed storage.
Featured Video
Highlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
I don't envy you. There must be a good trick for this.
I once had to drill through metal and then concrete like
that. Ruined a lot of bits that way.
I think I would spot weld on some metal angle brackets to
fasten to, rather than engage in that drilling task.
Good idea......Weld angle bracket with hole every 4' in rows 2' on center.Hang wire and do a decent suspended ceiling.
If you are planning drywall this ceiling I would install a suspended metal grid system that will take drywall much like a lay in panel type. You can drop pencil rods from slab by renting a powder actuated gun that will attach clips to the Q deck. I would check out your local commercial drywall supplier and they can steer you in the right direction.
This reminds me, instead of welding, you could just shoot your brackets in. Cut up a piece of light gauge steel angle, the kind used in light gauge steel framing, into two-inch pieces, which you then shoot into the ceiling with a Hilti. If the purpose is to attach a ceiling to those 2x4s, I think it would be easier to do with light gauge metal rather than wood.
2x4 on the flat against Q deck, 12" on center for me to screw sheetrock into. the 2X4s make it an even ceiling, but because they are on the flat and only supported on the ends they starting to sag slightly. all i need is problably one fastener in the middle, so i have to drill through 11/2" plus 1/8" of steel and then i have appr. 2" of concrete to hold the screw. any ideas what type of screw?
you could just shoot them on. I would be concerned about it coming down though.
I imagine the system you are looking at is like a corrugated metal with concrete poured over top so you could expect concrete right against the back of the metal.
There aren't any trusses? Maybe I am misunderstanding the situation.
I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
ok, wait, why do they want sheetrock ceiling in a garage like this? Why not just paint it with a good enamel?
I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
I would use PL 375 along with powderloads.
~ Ted W ~
Cheap Tools! - MyToolbox.net
Meet me at House & Builder!
The best I can come up with - having cursed at this situation a few times - is to buy a pouch (12) of 1/8" metal-cutting drill bits. These will make your piolt holes through the metal.
Follow with the 5/32" masonry bits for the 'blue screws.' Run the screws in with an impact driver.
Couple of other posters pointed in the right direction with the HILTI and the suspended ceiling system for drywall. The HILTI anchors are about an inch long, and you can buy a preassembled bracket and hanging wire (really- it is cheaper than doing it yourself). Depending on ceiling height, you can buy extension poles for the gun and do it all from the ground.
All kinds of stuff is suspended from ceilings using this method.
If you lack the room for the suspended method, or don't want to lose any extra height, then expand on the angle bracket idea and shoot those to the ceiling with a HILTI, then screw your lumber to the angle bracket.
Or, plan B, use metal studs and a Track Fast. Throw some glue on the backside, shoot a track down, then invert another so you have a flat surface to srew your drywall to.
Like this {metal ceiling} {glue} [ << shoot up ] << screw to other track on the short sides {drywall}
Shooting them will be ***way*** faster than drilling anchors.
If the deck is corrougated, make sure no electrical or plumbing was roughed into the low spots where your screws or shots will go :)