Ceiling support...

[Richard]

Hi and thanks for your response in advance.

We own a 1969 Casitas 24x60. The ceiling is sagging so we are ripping it out. We plan on reinforcing by either sistering or replacing the rafters with 2x4. My question is whether we can hang dry wall on that once it's done or is that too much weight? If we can what thickness would you recommend, or not? Also I have been told by a MH contractor that all the interior walls are not load bearing and we can gut the place if we chose and build our own floor plan, given a few considerations.

You response is greatly appreciated,

Richard

[Steve Hartman]

I'd go with a 2 X 6" minimum unless you're talking about a closet less than about 4' wide. Even using a jack to push your old stuff up you're looking at the weight of the rock plus the old joist "in memory." And depending on the length of the span...if you use what's called for without "sister' considerations you'll only have to do it once.

Oh....and insulation is cheap compared to energy costs as long as you've got the ceiling torn out anyway.....pack that sucker!

Good luck!

[Richard]

Thanks Steve

I want to make sure I understand what you are saying so please indulge me a bit more. You advise running 2x6 as replacements for the 1x2 which is currently holding up the roof? If I understand correctly that would mean there would be a problem running into the roof at the perimeter of the home. Looking at the structure as it appears now with all the ceiling tile off, running a 2x6 along the "middle of the middle" or perpendicular across the 1x span and screwing into that might provide the strength we need.

thanks again for your help

Richard

[Bill Fry]

Your only load bearing walls would be the exterior and marriage walls,the rest can be moved.In a home as old as yours you probably don't have 2 by 4 studs. thereby ruling out heavy 2 by 6 joists.If you do have at least 2 by 4 studs use 2 by 4 joists and remove the old ones as you go to reduce weight on the walls.Your length would be 12 feet on 16" centers.You can then hang your standard 1/2" drywall.If your wall studs are 1x 4 or 2 by 2 I would not use 1/2" rock or 2 by 4 joists,2x 2 joists and quater inch rock would be the max.you acn put a whole lot of roof weight on walls that were not designed to support it.