I am in the process of replacing an irreparable plaster ceiling in my home. The house was built in the 1930’s and has a flat roof with a gable front. The ceiling is in a 12ft by 17ft bedroom and was nailed to 2x4 joists stretched across the 12ft span. These joists were supported by a 2x4 ledger on the adjoining concrete block wall on one side, and sat on the top plate of a load bearing wall on the other. The center (6feet) of these were strapped with 1x4’s to the roof beams 28 inches above – I imagine to control ceiling deflection. The ledger was not even fastened to the wall, it was also held up with 1x4’s
Well, it apparently all held up for 90 years. Mmmm!
My question is, should I use 2x4’s with center straps as before, or 2x6’s without center straps?
Would 2x6 joist handle the weight (see material list) without any deflection problems?
Anyone know the formula to figure this out?
My replacement material list consist of
13 pcs of 2x6x12, @ 24lb/each = 312lbs
6 sheets of 5/8 ultralight drywall @70lb/sheet = 420lbs
Plus insulation batts, joint compound, etc.
I round off the material to about 1000lbs in weight.
Ben