Metal Ceiling Install techniques

[1jeepfan]

I’m looking at installing metal panels on my shop ceiling. I will do most or all the installation by myself and am looking for recommendations on technique and equipment.

The ceiling is 12’ 4 1/2” to the bottom of the wood trusses. They are on 2’ centers. I can order the panels in custom lengths, but I need them to be manageable for installation. I’m thinking 1 1/2” - 2” seam overlap on the trusses. 40’x50’ shop.

Thanks.

 

[ddurrett896]

Simple 1 man job with a sheetrock lift and a set or 2 of baker scaffolding.

I like to keep lengths simple, so I would do:
If you run them the 40' length: 16' + 16' + 10'
If you run them the 50' length: 16' + 16' + 10' + 10'

Run 2-3 rows then change the pattern. For example on the 40' run:
Row 1: 16 16 10
Row 2: 16 16 10
Row 3: 10 16 16
Row4: 10 16 16
Row 5: 16 10 16
Row 6: 16 10 16

 

[mike93lx]

A sheet rock lift gets them in the air, but you will still be up and down a ladder to screw them off. 16' panels solo will not be fun to load up.

I'd get a buddy and at least one scissor lift or go smaller than 16'

 

[jack stand]

Put all your **** on one side,
Rent 2 rolling scaffold 6' area of height, fully decked.
Find 3 good buddies.
Go with ddurett's pattern although a continuous seam across really doesn't look bad.
You should be able and put up 2 16' panels with each setup of your scaffolding with 4 guys.
Unless you strap the ceiling, I'd imagine that the 50' dimension will be the "right" direction to screw up to the bottom chord of the trusses.
Snap a line for every other or every 3rd course. They don't need to be right on the edge of the panels, just something to measure to and you'll only need to measure the leading edge as the lapping side will have been previously measured.

 

[racecougar]

This was my method:

12'7" ceiling height. Panels were 12' long if I remember correctly. I work alone. I used a drywall hoist to get the panels up in the air, then slipped them over to two dead men that I made out of scraps and fastened to my rolling scaffold. After doing the first (7) sheets completely by hand, I rigged this up for the other (53) sheets. It worked out perfectly.

 

[buzzworth]

Just did this in my new garage addition with 8' panels from Menards. My ceiling is 11' and the drywall lift just made that height. And, yes... it is up and down a 10' ladder many times.
Plan on doing the same in the old part off the building. A 24' x 24' section has a drop ceiling in it that I have never liked. This was stacked with batt insulation that will all go in the dumpster along with the tiles and grid. Wish there was some way to recycle all this insulation. Mostly R-30, 16" batts and the new application will be in the truss and 24" x 48" will be used.

 

[1jeepfan]

This was my method:

12'7" ceiling height. Panels were 12' long if I remember correctly. I work alone. I used a drywall hoist to get the panels up in the air, then slipped them over to two dead men that I made out of scraps and fastened to my rolling scaffold. After doing the first (7) sheets completely by hand, I rigged this up for the other (53) sheets. It worked out perfectly.

Similar to what I was thinking. Trying to decide if 10’ or 12’ length is best. 10’ seems kind of short. Thanks!

 

[1jeepfan]

Put all your **** on one side,
Rent 2 rolling scaffold 6' area of height, fully decked.
Find 3 good buddies.
Go with ddurett's pattern although a continuous seam across really doesn't look bad.
You should be able and put up 2 16' panels with each setup of your scaffolding with 4 guys.
Unless you strap the ceiling, I'd imagine that the 50' dimension will be the "right" direction to screw up to the bottom chord of the trusses.
Snap a line for every other or every 3rd course. They don't need to be right on the edge of the panels, just something to measure to and you'll only need to measure the leading edge as the lapping side will have been previously measured.

The chalk line is a great idea. I was worried the panels would get misaligned by the time I make it 40‘ across the shop.

 

[Tbender78]

I did 20’ panels with a pick in between. My buddy and I on the scaffolding and wife running the drywall lift. It was manageable but shorter pane would be easier.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Don't forget to leave an access or scuttle hole. You might want to plan you sheet layout with that in mind.

 

[1jeepfan]

Don't forget to leave an access or scuttle hole. You might want to plan you sheet layout with that in mind.

Thanks. I have stairs and a second story to deal with in the future.

 

[karoc]

Good question with some good answers, thanks for posting useful information

 

[jimy]

Just thought I would show my solo technique for my 20x24 garage addition. This was an 8' ceiling and I don't think it would be useful for anything higher.

I set up my 8' step ladder with a 12' 2x4 strapped to the top, and then used an old hinge to attach the other end to the top plate. I could slide the metal up while standing and then use the 6' step ladder to get the placement correct. I only had to place the step ladder 4 times. I did use some foam blocks on the 2x4 to raise it the last few inches once in place. It was fairly easy. I also used the step ladder with a little plywood platform on top to install the lighting. It all worked out well.

Jim

 

[rebelranger]

Check out my build great value garage. 20.2" panels 12.6ft sidewall. Installed alone. Was a pita. Overall come out good but slow doing it alone... better then mud and tape.

Fyi 12ft drywall lifts don't actually get to 12ft. I had to build a platform on the lift.

If I did again, i would rent scissor lift for a day.

 

[driver50x]

Do you use the same metal panels for the ceiling that would be used on the roof? It looked like you are installing a sheet of plastic first. What do you use for that? It is stapled up I am guessing? What kind of screws do you use to hold the metal up, and how many screws are needed? I plan on blowing in insulation on top of the roofing, should that be done in “stages” as the metal panels are being put up?
Thanks!

My garage will be 22x 24

 

[racecougar]

Do you use the same metal panels for the ceiling that would be used on the roof?

You could, but typically liner panel (lighter gauge) is used instead to save cost.

It looked like you are installing a sheet of plastic first. What do you use for that? It is stapled up I am guessing?

Yes, it is stapled up.

What kind of screws do you use to hold the metal up, and how many screws are needed?

Buy the colored screws with your liner panel.

I plan on blowing in insulation on top of the roofing, should that be done in “stages” as the metal panels are being put up?

That would be a mess. I'd recommend blowing the insulation in once the ceiling is complete. Frame in a scuttle hole and catwalk before you start putting up the ceiling.

 

[billconner]

Frame in a scuttle hole and catwalk before you start putting up the ceiling.

I installed a hinged gable vent instead of a scuttle inside. Thought it looked better and kept vapor barrier complete.

 

[racecougar]

I installed a hinged gable vent instead of a scuttle inside. Thought it looked better and kept vapor barrier complete.

Good idea. I went with a scuttle hole as I wanted easy access to the whole house fan, should I ever need to work on it (I placed the scuttle hole next to the whole house fan).

 

[NUTTSGT]

Plastic is the vapor barrier.

Some use a small piece of cardboard under the staples. I did that years ago before Youtube was a thing putting some plastic up. It helps keep the staples from pulling through the plastic.