help finding the truss in my lanai
 

OK. I'm actually pretty handy and thought the task to find two trusses to hang a heavy piece from in my lanai would be a 20 minute job.

I initially used a stud finder and got no valid results. Then I drilled small test holes 18 and 24 inches form the wall ...no luck.

Anybody know what the "standard" spacing is for trusses in a lanai?

Any idea why the stud finder didn't locate the truss?

Use the stud finder starting at the fan if you have one. The box should be nailed to a stud. go in 2 directions with the finder and see which way the trusses are running and go from there.

you may be able to see them up in your attic.....??

Yes, then send down a probing bit which can be seen from below.

If you have to, the lights can easily be removed. I did this and then took my cell phone and took photos of the entire area, I was looking for CATV cables. As I recall joists were on 24 inch centers. No idea why the stud finder did not work, unless the rough finish interfered with its operation. The one I have does work on the rough walls, and I have had reasonable luck on ceilings.
Hope this helps.

Thanks, too lazy to crawl through the attic to the lanai. Had'nt thought about starting from the fan. I'll do that.

The trusses are 24" o.c. , running perpendicular from your Lanai sliding glass doors on most designer homes.
Dependent on what type of stud finder you have it should work.

I often find at least one small crack running between the sheets of ceiling drywall in the Lanai.....if you have a crack that will show you a truss.

Often knocking on the ceiling you can hear the difference in the sound when you hit a truss...it will sound less hollow.

Hope this helps. Frank

I use small magnets to find the drywall screws.

Wow, sounds tedious [emoji848]

Good information. I thought this would be easy because I do have a 36 inch crack that should indicate a stud. I think I'll throw away the POS stud finer I have.

Rumor has it that there are some women that hang around City Fire that may be interested in it. :1rotfl:




(c'mon mods, don't delete...you know you laughed. :) )