Installing ceiling fan?

[ben100]

I need to install a ceiling fan that weighs about 4kg but the ceiling is just plasterboard & there is no way to fit to a joist as it’s too far away. There was a fan installed here before & it seems it may have been screwed into these plasterboard self drill fixings as you can see in the pic. Would these be ok to put the new fan up with?

 

[jacko555]

Probably the plasterboard is a bit weakened now with all the holes?
I had to put a large and heavy light thing for wifey, and the middle of the room didn't have a conveniently placed joist.
I stuck a 2x4 between the joists.
Could you not do the same?

 

[ben100]

Probably the plasterboard is a bit weakened now with all the holes?
I had to put a large and heavy light thing for wifey, and the middle of the room didn't have a conveniently placed joist.
I stuck a 2x4 between the joists.
Could you not do the same?

There is one joist close but the other joist is too far away & would involve cutting too much of an area of the ceiling away.

 

[jacko555]

I don't think you have a choice?
I wouldnt trust ceiling fan on the plasterboard. It's not too tricky to patch and fill...

 

[ben100]

I don't think you have a choice?
I wouldnt trust ceiling fan on the plasterboard. It's not too tricky to patch and fill...

I only need a small piece of timber just to attach the fan bracket to, would it be possible to cut a small piece of timber & attach it to just the one joist that is close?

 

[Alastairreid]

You need to bite the bullet and remove the ceiling to install proper support between the joists...the vibration from the fan will put to much stress on plasterboard fixings.

 

[oldbutnotdead]

Can you get to the ceiling from above? If yes then put a noggin between the 2 joists.

 

[ben100]

Ok so is there a specific timber I need then or is it just any 2x4? Also am I just attaching it to the joist with screws in at an angle if so what screws would be best?

 

[HERTS P&D]

Yep, 4x2 between the joists, screw through the joists into the end of the 4x2. Job done!

Andy

 

[oldbutnotdead]

CLS or 3 x 2 will do if you're getting the timber from a DIY shed. If you have a proper timber merchant nearby you might get lucky in their offcuts bin

 

[ben100]

CLS or 3 x 2 will do if you're getting the timber from a DIY shed. If you have a proper timber merchant nearby you might get lucky in their offcuts bin

Ok so the link below I assume would be fine for the timber? Also which screws would be best to use?

https://www.wickes.co.uk/Wickes-Stu...VcmHmCh0-gAUWEAQYAiABEgIBtPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[oldbutnotdead]

Yeah that timber will be fine.
Screws depends which way you are fixing. Easy way is through existing joist into end of the nog. Screw length thickness of existing joist plus 40mm.
If skew screwing, 70 or 80mm. I use the Forgefast Torx screws (from Toolstation) with an impact driver- you don't have to lean on them as hard as you do with Pozi or Phillips screws. Pilot through the joist OR pilot the skews in the ends of the CLS, makes it easier.

 

[ben100]

Yeah that timber will be fine.
Screws depends which way you are fixing. Easy way is through existing joist into end of the nog. Screw length thickness of existing joist plus 40mm.
If skew screwing, 70 or 80mm. I use the Forgefast Torx screws (from Toolstation) with an impact driver- you don't have to lean on them as hard as you do with Pozi or Phillips screws. Pilot through the joist OR pilot the skews in the ends of the CLS, makes it easier.

I will be skew screwing sorry do you mean 70 or 80mm for the screw size? Also think you may have already answered this at the end but want to be sure can I drill the screw into the timber at an angle or does it have to be through the joist at an angle?

 

[oldbutnotdead]

If you are screwing from the outside (ie through joist into noggin) then screw straight- you can skew if you want for a bit more stability but no need with your load.
If screwing from inside (ie noggin to joist) you have to skew unless you use angle plates or similar. Screw length minimum 70mm, longer if you want or if it's easier to screw from further along the noggin. Start your pilot hole about 30mm from the end of the nog (or further back with longer screws), drill at about 30 degree angle to the long face.

 

[ben100]

If you are screwing from the outside (ie through joist into noggin) then screw straight- you can skew if you want for a bit more stability but no need with your load.
If screwing from inside (ie noggin to joist) you have to skew unless you use angle plates or similar. Screw length minimum 70mm, longer if you want or if it's easier to screw from further along the noggin. Start your pilot hole about 30mm from the end of the nog (or further back with longer screws), drill at about 30 degree angle to the long face.

So I’ve cut the ceiling & I’ve got one joist on one side & there’s another on the other side but as you can see there is this piece in front of the other joist that is a little higher that is very solid in there. What would be best to do?