Garage ceiling overhead storage can help you to save storage space. It is essential to reinforce the ceiling before you can hang on a garage ceiling. When it comes to garage storage, make sure that you come up with creative ideas. It is also advisable to know how much your ceiling can carry to prevent it from collapsing under the weight of all the items.
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How much weight can you hang on a garage ceiling?
The average weight a garage ceiling can hold is around 40 lb per square foot. However, the weight can be less or more than that, depending on various factors. Here are some factors that will determine how much your garage ceiling can support or hold:
Floor on top of the garage
If you have another floor on top of your garage, do not trust your ceiling joints and roof rafters. They are already holding a lot of weight to support the floor on top of the garage.
In such a case, the amount of weight that the ceiling can hold will reduce significantly. On the other hand, a detached garage ceiling or a garage that does not have the floor above is likely to hold more weight than the standard 40 lb per square foot.
Truces or rafters
Using truces and rafters supports the garage roof. They are made in the factory and later installed on the roof. Rafters, on the other hand, are made on the job site and later installed. Homes that have a roof made of truces have a stronger garage ceiling.
Your garage ceiling joints
Your garage ceiling joints can determine how much your ceiling can hold. The joints are basically where the ceiling is placed. In many garages, the joints tend to be stronger around the edges and corners as opposed to the middle. It is only safe to put the heavier loads at the corners rather than the middle of the garage.
Garage ceiling storage tips to prevent the ceiling from collapsing
The garage ceiling is not ideally made for storage. However, there are ways to implement cleaver garage ceiling storage. With proper overhead storage, you do not have to worry about the weight of your garage items, making your ceiling cave-in. Here are some ways to prevent your garage ceiling from collapsing when using it for storage:
Stick to the weight limit
The best way to go prevent your garage ceiling from collapsing under the weight of garage storage is to stick to the limit. Ideally, the garage ceiling can support about 40lbs per square foot.
The trick is to make sure that you do not exceed the weight limit. It will be a good idea to go below the weight limit if possible. If you stay below the weight limit, you can be sure that your garage ceiling is safe from damage.
Do some inspection before storage
Before you mount any storage on your garage ceiling, doing some prior inspection is always a good idea. Some prior inspection will give you some idea on the current condition of your garage.
You might start mounting items on your ceiling only to realize that the wood supporting your ceiling is rotten. If the wood truces or rafters are not in good condition, they will not be able to support your garage items.
If you are not sure about the condition of your ceiling and you do not trust yourself, it will be a good idea to hire an engineer. A structural engineer will inspect your ceiling and advice you whether you should use it for storage.
Wall support
When using overhead garage storage, you do not have to hang the load directly to the ceiling. Sometimes the ceiling may not be strong enough to support the weight of your load. You can use wall support when hanging heavy items.
Use wall support by installing hooks and pillars on the wall next to the ceiling. You can use some of the wall support to help carry the load. Using wall support will reduce weight on the ceiling. You can always use some creative ways to hang your items in case the wall studs.
Know where to mount the load
It is always a good idea to know where to mount your load. Choosing a good location on your ceiling will prevent your ceiling from collapse. It is all about weight distribution on the ceiling. Putting too much weight on one location can lead to damage.
If you are storing heavy items on your garage ceiling, do not start with the middle of the ceiling. It is advisable to start with storing items at the edge of the ceiling. The middle of the ceiling tends to be weak because it holds the entire weight of the roof.
Storing items at the corners of the roof is always a good idea before you utilize other spaces. Space the items so that you do not put everything in one place.
Use the right storage system
Using the right shelving will reduce the chances of overcrowding the garage ceiling beyond the weight limit. When you have right ceiling storage, you will always get the maximum use of the ceiling space and also prevent your ceiling from collapsing.
Is garage ceiling storage safe?
Garage ceiling or overhead storage is safe as long as it is done in the right way. When it comes to hanging tools or other items in the garage, it is advisable to do it the right way to protect your ceiling from collapsing. With proper garage ceiling, you will save wall and floor space in your garage. However, it is important to know what you can hang in your garage and what you cannot for safety reasons. Here are some safety tips when hanging tools or things in the garage:
Inspect the ceiling wood for rotting
If your garage ceiling wood has started rotting, do not try and hang anything on the ceiling. Rotting wood tends to be weak, and it might not be able to hold any weight. For old garages, make sure that you do proper inspection just to make sure that the garage joints and trusses are in good condition.
Check the lighting and other fixtures
Remember to check garage lighting and other fixtures on the ceiling. If you are required to do some drilling into the ceiling, make sure that you are mindful of plumbing and electrical wiring. Some plumbing pipes might be running in the ceiling, and you need to avoid drilling into the pipes. Make sure that you check the location of garage lighting. It is advisable to mount your shelving units away from the lighting.
Sagging garage ceiling
A sagging ceiling is also a good sign that you should not mount anything. If you have noticed that your garage is not proportional, make sure that you fix it before mounting anything. A garage might start sagging due to water damage or poor construction. Fixing the garage ceiling first will prevent it from collapsing.
