I’m in the process of “remodeling” my garage. Insulation in the walls, new shelves, painting the floor, etc.
I would also like to close up the ceiling, just open trusses now. I have both electrical conduit above and below the joists. I also will be attaching lights and hangers from the rafters. I was thinking I could put the ceiling between the rafters. I know it sounds like extra work, but it will easier then moving everything that’s currently up there. Any objections or concerns?
Replies
If you strapped the ceiling (attached perpendicular members to the bottoms of the trusses) with 1x or 2x would that allow enough room to cover all the conduit? It's common practice to strap ceilings in some parts of the country and it would be way easier than building a ceiling between.
Unless I misunderstand, it occurs to me that building a ceiling between would also mostly negate the fire retardant nature of hanging sheetrock.
would also mostly negate the fire retardant nature of hanging sheetrock
Can you explain this more?
You'd leave the bottoms of the bottom chords of the trusses exposed (not covered with sheetrock). That wood would burn much more quickly than if covered with rock.That doesn't mean it absolutely shouldn't be done, it's just a consideration.
Edited 6/27/2008 12:36 pm ET by husbandman
Can you not run Romex in a closed area such as a above a gyp lid or attic? even Kalifornia will allow that. I'd pull down any conduit already up and hang the gyp. box in for your fixtures. I'm doing the same thing and Am adding 5 ea 1' x 4' fixtures to my garage. 2 tube each Block in between the bottom chord of the trusses hang the rock. the fixtures install from below after the rock is up and taped/ textured. ML
Can you not run Romex in a closed area such as a above a gyp lid or attic?
I'm not a builder, so I've never been through the permit/inspection process. My only experience is from the limited remodeling work and cabinet installs I've completed in 20-25 different homes around the Chicagoland area. In that time, I've never seen any Romex, other than for obvious DIY projects in older homes. You may see some short runs of BX, but never any longs runs of BX or Romex.
In other discussions here, the same conclusion was drawn regarding Chicago construction. I believe it's an anomaly local to us.
Surprising. We can used Romex in a unenclosed area such as an attic or BX if exposed, Regardless of lengthML
How are you planning to attach the drywall?
I was thinking either a 2x2 along the top of the rafter or a 1x4 across the top to make a Tee. What do you think?
I think if it was mine, I would strap the ceiling, lot less work.
I understand that. That being said, is there anything wrong (fire safety, structural, etc) with putting the ceiling between the rafters?
Not that I can think of, just a lot more work!
I'm not sure about the more work aspect. I'm only going to have about 20 seams to tape and mud instead of the whole ceiling. I may also use a prefinished white panel instead of drywall.
My goals are insulation, brightness and dust control. Aesthetics are way down on my list of needs.
Do It, it will be different!
It will kind of look like the underside of an old floor. I like the idea because then I can use the "trusses" to attach lights, bikes, and other odds and ends.
If it's just a garage, I would rip out all the old conduit and wiring and start over. You could run new romex for lights, wall outlets, gfci, subpanel etc. Then sheet rock it in a normal way right to the rafters.
You get out of life what you put into it......minus taxes.
Marv
I'm in the Chicago area, no romex allowed.
They're TRUSSES, damnit, not RAFTERS !!!
Don't call 'em the wrong thing - Gets my blood up.
(-:
My name is Joe and I'm afflicted with wrong-name-ocitis. It's a disease where one can never remember the real name of anything, usually to the offense of the ones who actually know. There is no known cure, just a long slow life of annoying those in the know.
I was just poking fun at ya. Don't take me too seriously.(-:
Show me a person with a consuming dream coupled with a deep, unshakable faith and I'll show you a champion mountain mover. Robert Schuller]
Why not hang some ceiling grid?
Interferes with nothing, lights anywhere you want, insulated tiles available, access to the area above the grid, quick and easy to install... buic
Most of what drives the wacky building codes in Chicago are the unions. I think Chicago was last to allow PVC for drainsand copper for water.
Here's a crazy thought, Why not just lay the drywall on top of the cords? Maybe screw it down like you would subfloor. I wouldn't do it, but it accomplishes your goal.
"It is what it is."
Why not just lay the drywall on top of the cords?
There's more conduit and other stuff above then there is below. It would be easier to put it in the middle.
Why not hang some ceiling grid?
That's an interesting idea. How air tight are ceiling grids? I can insulate right on top of them, right?
Edited 6/27/2008 8:19 pm by JMadson
Grids aren't "air tight".
They do make tiles of compressed fiberglass with a vinyl face.
And yes, you can lay batts on top of the grid too. It's done all the time...buic
PS If humidity is a concern, there is exterior rated grid that's rust resistant.
Edited 6/28/2008 12:31 am ET by BUIC
Take this from a 15 year t-bar guy. I did this in my last garage. Install a 2x2 t- bar and put in USG 3260 which is 1/2" gyp with a vinyl face tile. It is washable and is used in food prep areas. Yes it's heavy But it makes a great garage ceiling. Drop in a few troffers an your set. It's a very bright white and makes great shop space. sawdust does not stick to the tile. You can back load the tile with unfaced R-11 or R-19 if you want. If you use 2x4 tile the cheap mineral fiber stuff expect to see warping of the tile if you back load it or live in an area of high humidity.ML
You use black iron and clips or hang wire? buic
I installed 15/16" exposed tee grid. using 12 ga. wire. If I have obstacles to go around I'd use hat track furring attached to the trusses and attach the gyp to that. ML
JMadson.
The only issue with putting sheet rock above the rafters is it exposes the rafters to fire should that ever happen.. when the rafters burn thru the roof falls down and then the rest of the garage with it..
Now what are the chances of that happening? Realistically pretty slim unless you do a lot of work in your garage..