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Community and Q&A

Support for 16 inches of cellulose over dropped ceiling?

Patrick Walshe| Posted inEnergy Efficiency and Durabilityon

We have vapour retarder membrane under the flat part of the roof trusses but want to reinforce that to hold up the 16″ cellulose in attic as there will be no drywall there (dropped ceiling). Lath or chicken wire are the only two options that come to mind – any other cost effective and efficient means of providing support to prevent sagging, popping staples and voids?

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Replies

  1. John Klingel||#1

    Why no sheetrock? Can't you 'rock it, then secure the wires for the drop ceiling frame to the trusses through the 'rock? If I understand what you are doing, I'd be more comfortable with sheetrock in there for fire reasons anyway.

  2. GBA Editor
    Martin Holladay||#2

    Patrick,
    I agree with John. Drywall is inexpensive; it's an air barrier (once taped); and it improves the fire resistance of your ceiling assembly.

  3. Patrick Walshe||#3

    Thanks, yes I should have thought of that before putting the dropped ceiling in - guess I could still use scraps

  4. Patrick Walshe||#4

    I should explain that the dropped ceiling at this point is 2x4's 16" on center. There are ducts and wiring in there too

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