Installing a ceiling projector?
Discussion
Anyone fitted a projector lift? as I am looking into possibly going down this route. My joists though have a 300mm free gap between the joists and projector lifts seem need 500mm so won't fit as-is.
A quick search online suggests that I would need to cut a joist and put in a trimmer piece across the cut joined to the two joists on each side to strengthen it up.
Is this something that an AV installer would do, or do I need a builder/structural engineer involved?
A quick search online suggests that I would need to cut a joist and put in a trimmer piece across the cut joined to the two joists on each side to strengthen it up.
Is this something that an AV installer would do, or do I need a builder/structural engineer involved?
Thanks guys, the lift seems to be around 9kg so I should be able to manage the installation of the lift/wires and cutting the hole on my own as pretty handy ((lathe and plaster so suspect labour cost would be high to get someone else to do neatly). Have a good spark local so getting a socket there will be fine.
Will get a professional to do the cut though, as they will be insured. Can I just double check that it is a joiner I need and not a builder (Do joiners carry acro props?) Asking as I want to be sure the weight rating of the area is not going to be affected too much.
If a joiner can anyone recommend one in the South London/Surrey area?
From what I understand, the process is to put acrow props to support the cut, cut the joist, and then on each side put a horizontal piece (or two) of the same depth as the joist across the cut using joist hangers and then attach the ends of the new piece to the joists on each side. Then a noggin across to support the new pieces.
Guy here has done it this way and looks pretty solid.
https://www.avforums.com/threads/new-projector-lif...
Will get a professional to do the cut though, as they will be insured. Can I just double check that it is a joiner I need and not a builder (Do joiners carry acro props?) Asking as I want to be sure the weight rating of the area is not going to be affected too much.
If a joiner can anyone recommend one in the South London/Surrey area?
From what I understand, the process is to put acrow props to support the cut, cut the joist, and then on each side put a horizontal piece (or two) of the same depth as the joist across the cut using joist hangers and then attach the ends of the new piece to the joists on each side. Then a noggin across to support the new pieces.
Guy here has done it this way and looks pretty solid.
https://www.avforums.com/threads/new-projector-lif...
Edited by hyphen on Wednesday 15th February 12:23
speedking31 said:
If you fix your new timbers in before you cut out the existing then you won't need an acrow prop, assuming access is possible.
I was thinking similar, more that if I put noggins on each side prior to the cut point and perhaps some more further up too, then really wouldn't need acrow props as it is only 3m ish from the cut point to the external wall it rests on, and the room is empty apart from a lightweight 4 legged bed so no weight would be on these 3 joists at the time of the cut. The other end of the cut would be supported during the cut as it is lying cms away from the internal brick wall. 98elise said:
I doubt very much that you want a joiner, they make stairs, windows, doors etc.
If you are going to cut a joist out you want a structural engineer and then and a builder/carpenter. A structural engineer will almost certainly say you need to double up on the adjacent joists.
Be aware that most builders/carpenters will build what you ask them to, its not their job to ensure its safe or sensible.
If you do just cut the joist and brace it to the others I doubt your house will fall down BTW
Sent an email yesterday to one the main UK manufacturers of these projector lifts, and they came back with "get a builder to trim the joists" and so guessing most installations happen that way.If you are going to cut a joist out you want a structural engineer and then and a builder/carpenter. A structural engineer will almost certainly say you need to double up on the adjacent joists.
Be aware that most builders/carpenters will build what you ask them to, its not their job to ensure its safe or sensible.
If you do just cut the joist and brace it to the others I doubt your house will fall down BTW
Will start shopping for a the projector lift, then will get the builder/carpenter to at least put in double trimmers in, but most probably double up the joists too as don't think it will be cost much more.
Edited by hyphen on Thursday 16th February 19:35
After a lot of research, lift now purchased.
One thing I don't like about them is the surrounding square plate- makes it look like a loft hatch which would be ok in a dedicated room but less so in a living room. So I would prefer to sink it in a few mm and then fill over so all flush.
It has led status lights and I'm guessing the infra red sensor on the plate so may not be possible but will see when it arrives in a few days.
One thing I don't like about them is the surrounding square plate- makes it look like a loft hatch which would be ok in a dedicated room but less so in a living room. So I would prefer to sink it in a few mm and then fill over so all flush.
It has led status lights and I'm guessing the infra red sensor on the plate so may not be possible but will see when it arrives in a few days.
Update to say fitted it in today. Have put it a couple of mm below surface so it is not standing proud. Just need to make good the ceiling around it and paint, will also stick some dimmed RGB led strip in the void so can get a dim blue light for movies from above.
Wife is happy, as explained it was a choice between a huge TV dominating the room which neither of are keen on, or a small tv and projector. "Very Cool" was her response when I demonstrated its movement
Wife is happy, as explained it was a choice between a huge TV dominating the room which neither of are keen on, or a small tv and projector. "Very Cool" was her response when I demonstrated its movement
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