Drop Ceiling Question

Eric K

I have a job that I looked at in a customer's basement. For the ceiling he wants either a drop ceiling or drywalled, my problem is that there is water pipes/valves that stick down 6" past the 2"x8"s for the hot water heat and lots of electric and telephone wires that have been run over the years that are tacked on the bottom/across the studs. My question is how much space do you need to use a drop ceiling (measurement from top of track to existing ceiling) I have never installed these ceiling as I think they look very tacky but this is only a 4'x12'x8' "hallway" in the basement. I thought of sister studing down the amount that I need but with all the wires and plumbing I just don't think that it would be a safe thing to do(only room for small pcs). If there is any suggestions on alternative ways to handle this please let me know, if any more info is needed just ask. Thanks.

Tom R

The minimum recommended space for a drop ceiling is about 2", - - that's from the underside of your track to the underside of your joists.

You can actually get away with as little as the thickness of the tracks themselves, - - but you would have to install the tracks as you install the tiles, - - and they wouldn't be removable as individuals.

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slowsol

if you are using drop in lights, you are going to have to drop that ceiling even more. I think like 7-8 inches (don't quote me).

i installed a ceiling with only 6 inches of space between the joists and the tracks because that's what the GC wanted (even though my partner and I both told him it needed more). needless to say, we got a call from the electrician and had to lower the ceiling in order to him to get every single light dropped in. PITA

G.P.

I did one big one recently that had little clearance and hated it. The less clearance between the grid and joists the more of a hassle it is to install.

Dont forget to check code on ceiling height. I think 7' is min. excluding beams. The electrician on the job said he had to use different recessed cans that were rated for their close proximity to the insulation above.

katttfishh

Most troffer flourescent lay-in fixtures that are made for t-bar are 3 1/2" or 3 3/4" tall. Can lights can be located between the floor joists. Inspector in CA requires the grid to be inspected before you drop the board. CA has earthquake codes for the wires you wouldnt believe. I would leave at the least 2-3 inches above the top of the grid which is 1 1/2" for enough clearance to get the board in. Tighter than a couple inches will bring out the work order book as it can easily take you four times the labor for the board install.

Eric K

Big help, Thanks for everything