Section 1.4
Cutting a Hole in the Ceiling
Before Proceeding:
Goal:
To cut a hole, that is the correct size, in the ceiling at the desired location.
STEP 1. Prepare the room by moving furniture,
covering flooring with a drop cloth and
removing children and pets to a safe
distance.
STEP 2. Put on safety goggles and a dust mask.
These will keep pieces of ceiling particles
and dust from falling into your eyes, mouth
or nose as you make a starter hole and cut
into the ceiling.
STEP 3. With a hammer and chisel, make a starter
hole near the center of the chosen location
(See Figure 4).
STEP 4. Enlarge the opening with a saw until you
can see a joist (See Figure 5).
STEP 5. Draw a rectangle the size of the rough
opening on the ceiling, with one edge
parallel to a joist (See Figure 6). You may do
this by sawing until you reach a joist and use
it as a frame of reference. (The size of the
rough opening must be at least 18" x 24".)
Note: Locating at least one edge of the
opening along a ceiling joist will allow the
joist to be used as a side of the frame you
will build. This will simplify framing the
rough opening.
STEP 6. Cut out the rest of the ceiling within the
marked outline following these instructions:
A) Do not cut any joists at this
time. Cut through the ceiling only.
B) Remove the ceiling in small pieces
because ceiling material can be
very heavy.
STEP 7. If no joists span the hole in the ceiling, go
to Section 1.5 "FRAMING THE ROUGH
OPENING".
If any joists span the hole, go to Section 1.4
"CUTTING THE CEILING JOISTS".
You must have a location that:
A) Is free of hazards and obstructions in the overhead space.
B) Is free of hazards in the ceiling.
C) Provides enough room for installation.
D) Provides enough room to use the attic ladder.
!
DO NOT stand saw, cut, or hammer into the ceiling
until you are sure that the location is free of hazards
and obstructions in the ceiling and attic. Contact with
an electrical wire can be deadly.
Figure 4
Figure 6
WARNING:
Figure 5
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