Monday, September 21, 2009

Extend Main Runners In Suspended Ceilings

A suspended ceiling grid consists of main runners and cross tees. The main runners run perpendicular to the ceiling joists and are the ceiling grid's main support system. Main runners usually come in 12-foot sections. If your room is longer than 12 feet, two main runners can be joined together to span the distance. However, joining runners creates a weak spot in the grid. To help support this spot, plan to add an additional hanger wire above the joined area.








Instructions


1. Hold one runner in each hand with their ends pointing toward each other. One runner should have a slot in its end and the other runner should have a tab.


2. Push the two main runners together until they lock into place. Gently tug them to make sure they do not come apart. Lay the runners down on the floor.


3. Measure the length of room the runners need to span. Transfer this measurement to the two connected runners. Cut them to the appropriate length with a tin snips. Have a friend help you lift the runners into place, with each end resting on the perimeter molding.

Tags: ceiling grid, into place, main runners, main runners, other runner