1. CEILING FRAMES Created by Michael Martin March 2004
Revised Feb 2007 / Mar 08 / Mar 2010

2. Look at this picture, can you see the different members ?

3. Reference: Basic roof & ceiling text ‘Carp’ notes – P 10
Definition: The ceiling frame is the horizontal area between the top of walls and the roof
Consists of: ceiling joists, trimmers, hanging beams and counter beams

4. CEILING JOISTS – P10
Joists carry the ceiling sheets and provide a lateral tie between the base of opposing rafters

5. CEILING TRIMMERS – P11
Sometimes called trimming joists, short lengths at right angles between ceiling joists. Give fixing to ends of ceiling sheets and can provide fixing for internal walls.

6. HANGING BEAMS – P12
These provide support to the ceiling joists mid-span, must be blocked at ends and if large sections may need to be strapped

8. Trimmers
Ceiling Joists
Hanging beam

9. SUPPORT TO JOISTS – P 12
There are three common types of support between ceiling joists and hanging beams, joist straps, triple grips and ceiling dogs

10. Remember:
Hanging beams go above the joists, so we have to block the ends.

11. CUTTING HANGING BEAMS - P13
Where hanging beams run across ceiling joists with end protruding past the rafter line as in a hipped roof, they must be cut but also supported via a trimmer

12. COUNTER BEAMS - P 14
Counter beams run at 90deg. To the hanging beam and supports it when it’s length exceeds it’s allowable span, ends of counter beams are packed slightly to allow for deflection.

13. Counter Beams
Supports hanging beam mid - span

14. SET OUT & ERECTION OF FRAME - P15
GABLE ROOF
the set out of the ceiling frame is based on the set out of the rafters
First check top plates for straight & square
Mark position of gable end rafters
Then work from one end, set out position of common rafters, other side of line becomes joists
See sketch

16. Next cut all ceiling joists to length and fix into position, double skew nail
Cut and fix ceiling trimmers to ends
Cut and fix trimmers above internal walls where required

17. Lastly fit hanging beams to the centre of the ceiling joists length over each room as required
Remember fixing and blocking for hangers

18. Quick Questions !
What is the purpose of ceiling frame…. ?
Designed to enclose the room, keep it free
from dust and it also provides insulation and
Security
What is the function of ceiling joists… ?
The horizontal member that carries the load of the ceiling sheets and act as a tie between the rafters at their base

19. Quick Questions
Review

20. What is the function of trimmers…. ?
To provide fixing for ends of ceiling sheets,
also internal walls where they fall between
joists and help give lateral stability to frame
What is the function & position of hanging beams…. ?
To support ceiling joists mid-span, must be supported on load bearing walls & blocked at ends

21. How can we fix hanging beams…. ?
Joist strap, triple grip, or ceiling dog and
should be fixed alternate sides at every second joist
What do we do to hanging beams at external wall …. ? Trim hanging beam to pitch of rafter
What is the function of counter beams…. ?
Run 90 deg. to hanging beam and provides
support to them where they exceed their own
span

22. Set out and erection…
Check top plates are straight and square
Mark gable end rafters at each end
From one end set out common rafters marking each side of line for (r) rafter and (j) joist
Cut joists to length and fix into position, double skew nail
Fix trimmers to ends and where required for internal walls
Fix hanging beams to the centre of joists length in rooms required
Provide strapping where required