7 types of building structure and hoist fixing types
Every ceiling hoist installation is different, here are 7 examples of building structure and the fixing types:
1. Wooden Joists & Engineered wooden joists
Wooden joist can be used successfully for the support of ceiling hoists. The type size and frequency of the joists in a room will determine how where the fixings for the hoist will need to be.
If the joists are at least 8” x 2” a direct timber fixing can be used. This would usually be a Spax screw with at least 80mm thread. Click here for more details. Depending on the layout of the room, white powder coated channel may need to be attached to span the joists.
Engineered wooden joists require additional work prior to the ceiling be closed in. As the bottom flanges of the joists are not structurally supportive, timber struts will need to be fitted to the central web of the joist prior to the ceiling being closed. Please contact us for further details.
2. Timber trusses
If timber trusses are in place, it is unlikely that an individual truss will be of sufficient strength to support the hoist system on its own. It may be necessary therefore to spread channel across the top of the joists to spread the load across 3 trusses. M10 threaded rod from the Unistrut is then used to support the track. Depending on the space between trusses, it may be necessary to pack out the space between the Channel and the ceiling to prevent the plasterboard bowing.
3. Cast in situ concrete slab
There are many options for fixing into a concrete slab. Usually the Hilti HUS 3-HF is the preferred choice – it can be installed with a minimum of dust and vibration reducing installation risks. However of the concrete is old and cracked, it may be necessary to use an injectable resin anchor such as the Hilti HIT 270. These provide an exceptionally strong fixing in almost any material.
4. Precast concrete slab
The type of fixing used in precast concrete planks varies from manufacturer to manufacturer and from plank to plank. As a general rule the same option as described above would be used including the HUS 3-HF and Hilti HIT 270 options. However care must be taken that the manufacturers guidelines are followed so that the structural capabilities of the plank are not affected.
5. Steelwork
Steelwork is a great option for mounting hoist tracks to – it does not warp or twist, dry out or crumble. However, the drawback is that the sell has to be in very precise locations to enable the hoist track to b mounted to it. Secondary steel work is often the answer, however this can be quite expensive. When fixing to steelwork channel is attached to the steel, and M10 threaded rod attached from the channel to the track. The channel can be fixed to the steel either by directly drilling, or the use of mechanical methods such as window brackets.
6. Solid block or brick walls
Solid brick or block walls are very simple fast and easy for fixing host systems to. A chemical anchor such as the Hilti HIT 270 is used to provide a solid fixing in even the most unreliable of substrates. Wall fixing is only suitable for straight rail or H frame systems only – all combination or curve systems will require a ceiling fix as well.
7. Stud walls
Stud walls need not be an obstacle to fixing a hoist system. If the wall has not yet been closed off, the insertion of two layers of 18mm plywood will provide sufficient strength for a direct wall fix. If the wall is a finished wall, a wall post can be used – this will transfer the weight of the hoist directly to the floor, with no structural load imposed on the wall.
Our experience with hoist installations
Having completed thousands of ceiling track hoist installations since the beginning of the 21st century we have rarely come across a project or an installation that we did not have a fixing solution for. Having years of experience also gives you peace of mind that we have selected the best type of fixing for the job and that it has been done with patient and carer safety in mind.
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