I can actually get to the roof. I have recently moved in to the house. Is there a way of knowing where the joists are above the plasterboard?
2006-11-09 00:00:06 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
sorry that should have been i "cant" actaully get to the roof..
2006-11-09 00:01:25 · update #1
try tapping lightly on the ceiling the sound will change (dull) where the plasterboard is fixed to a joist, then tap in a cross shape to find out which way the joists run
2006-11-09 00:03:57 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buy a $10 stud finder at Home Depot or any hardware store and you'll be able to locate the joists quickly and accurately. Simply tapping and listening for the sound change isn't always reliable because there could be cribbing or other structural members that can throw you off.
As a general rule of thumb the joists will either be spaced 16" or 19" on centers for nominal lumber. Roof trusses are typically 24" on centers (I doubt you have these). Also they will typically run the shortest span, usually side to side but not always
2006-11-09 10:53:31 · answer #2 · answered by Lauren 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just tap along gently with a light hammer, you will hear a hollow ish sound, and as you get closer to the joist it will sound more dense, or you could use a bradawl, and just push that gently through the plaster, if it does go throug, you have missed the joist, If it doesn't, you have found the joist, hope that helps. :¬)
2006-11-09 08:16:57 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The plasterboard is nailed to them. Just tap along till you find a consistent dull sound. if you see the nails, they are following a joist. Or use a wood/metal finder.
2006-11-09 08:05:45 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They have factory made nail finders or you can just use a magnet to find the nails which ultimately will allow you to verify the rafter or stud. In older construction it is time consuming and pain staking due to the fact they didn't measure things well. In todays construction, once you have located a couple of studs or rafters you can gain knowledge of the centers they used and then pretty much lay it out! By centers I mean the rafters being on 16" or 24" centers!
2006-11-09 08:11:50 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe you can get a hand held gadget that when placed on a ceiling/wall that picks up joists.
2006-11-09 08:09:32 · answer #6 · answered by thompson_clare 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
lightly tap ceiling if you hear adull thud you have found joist will be 16 or 18 inches apart
2006-11-09 11:26:17 · answer #7 · answered by jacs1uk 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try tapping there usely 9inches apart
2006-11-09 09:19:50 · answer #8 · answered by star ray 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋