Need to calculate the load capacity for a drop ceiling frame. (floor, engineered)
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I need to determine if I will be able to hang some draping from a drop ceiling frame or if I will need to construct a freestanding PVC frame. Is there a guide for calculating load-bearing capacity directly below the frame hangers and at points furthest from the hangers? The ceiling in question supports 2x4 tiles.
I know this is a bit of trick question, since some of the capacity will be determined by the type of fastener and the beam construction above the ceiling. I'm just looking for general guidelines at this point. I'd like to make an initial calculation to determine if its even possible before I mess with looking at what is above the tiles.
Dropped ceilings are NOT intended to support ANYTHING other than the ceiling tiles. There is no standard for "load ratings" for the grid as it NON-STRUCTURAL and designed soley to meet the requirements of the firms that supply the tiles. Basically you could substitute any panels that are less dense that the ones originally installed. It is against fire code (in commercial structures) to hang ANYTHING flammable from a drop ceiling grid...
If you want to create some kind of room divider it ought to be free-standing. I would use lumber NOT pvc.
This is a very temporary install. While it is not technically supported in all circumstances, the idea that is should never be done is a bit goofy. Signage is hung from suspended ceilings all the time. Why not PVC? Lumber is a ridiculous material for a temporary application.
Signs typically are suspended from either "monofiliment" (fishing line) or wire, neither of which will support flame spread. Fire codes for commercial space are typically designed so that "heat spread" at the ceiling is not going to fill the air space with choking combustion by products. Probably not as big a deal in a single family house, but still something to consider as often "temporary fixes" stay unchanged for too long and then a moment of careless results in tradgedy...
The reason I would use lumber for a room divider is simpler -- you ought to be able to cut and nail/glue together a frame for a room divider /curtain panel that is plenty light and plenty strong CHEAPER, FASTER, and BETTER than PVC. If this was to be used outdoors or with really heavy fabric I might see some value in using PVC but in a basement? Way overkill. I think you'd be pleasantly surprised about how easy such a room divider goes together with simple plans. http://goo.gl/LKvPs
I need to determine if I will be able to hang some draping from a drop ceiling frame or...
Look above the ceiling for how many wires are supporting it where and how.
If you can set your weight immediately below these (or new/additional ones) you may be OK.
As to attaching to the ceiling itself though? No
Just because someone sells a product does not mean it is "approved" for use. You can likely check with the grid manufacturer and see what they have to say about hanging stuff off THEIR product.
If you put the supports directly under the wire ties, and extend YOUR hardware thru the grid and attach to the ceiling joists themselves, you should not have a problem.
Dropped ceiling are not intended for the purpose of attaching anything other than tiles. If you attach anything extra than its load then there is much danger for getting it damaged.
Dropped ceiling are not intended for the purpose of attaching anything other than tiles. If you attach anything extra than its load then there is much danger for getting it damaged.
This is an old thread, but I sure hope someone told every commercial building in the world that also has lights and HVAC grilles in the ceiling grid. That should probably come out ASAP and filled in with tiles. Then they can use floor fans and work by candle light like in the old days!
The best way to determine the load capacity of ceiling grid is to start with the manufacturer. They will most assuredly have engineered calcs for that.
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