mounting a swing to the ceiling

[radhak]

My porch has a brick/mortar ceiling. LOML wants me to install a chair/swing to it.

The swing is chair shaped, and has two loops on either side. It would only seat one person, more likely a child rather than an adult.

I thought a couple of something like this would serve me best :


Those are from the ikea store, but they are out of stock now, so I got I thought I could use four of these instead, from HD:



I am planning to use Tapcon concrete screws and a hammer-drill. If I use two of these for each side of the swing, that would make 8 Tapcon screws in all.

So the question - you think that should be strong enough to take the load of one person, say around 100 lbs? How much load do Tapcon screws take? Would the fact that the surface mount allows movement of the D-ring matter?

[Uncle Cracker]

I know a guy who has a swing mounted on his ceiling too, but it's not on his porch...

[cabinetman]

Tapcons will hold a lot of weight. So will sleeve type anchors. Knowing exactly what you have to fasten to, may make a difference. If there are rafters above to lag into that might be better. Do you know what the ceiling is, and what it's attached to?
.

[pelligrini]

I am planning to use Tapcon concrete screws and a hammer-drill. If I use two of these for each side of the swing, that would make 8 Tapcon screws in all.

So the question - you think that should be strong enough to take the load of one person, say around 100 lbs? How much load do Tapcon screws take? Would the fact that the surface mount allows movement of the D-ring matter?

Your load will be more than just the weight of the person, add in the swing and a bit more once you start swinging.

I don't think is it would be so much the proposed fasteners, I would bet they could take the load. I'm just wondering what is holding the brick to a horizontal surface. I would bet that would be the failing point. You should try to fasten into a structural member.

If the brick comes loose somebody could get knocked in the head with a falling brick once they make the short fall to the floor.

[radhak]

I'm not sure what holds it up. It's just a patio, and there's nothing above it.

Here's a picture showing part of the patio, and the roof above it (I was snapping the roof last year for the home insurance) :

[cabinetman]

I'm not sure what holds it up. It's just a patio, and there's nothing above it.

Here's a picture showing part of the patio, and the roof above it (I was snapping the roof last year for the home insurance) :

We need a shot from underneath. Betcha there's some rafters up there. Something has to carry the span.
.

[radhak]

We need a shot from underneath. Betcha there's some rafters up there. Something has to carry the span.
.

Okaaay... I shall take one and post when I get home tonight.

[radhak]

I know a guy who has a swing mounted on his ceiling too, but it's not on his porch...

You know what? That guy must have - for sure - installed it for far more weight than I am planning, and more 'activity' too - I should get some tips from him !

[Uncle Cracker]

You know what? That guy must have - for sure - installed it for far more weight than I am planning, and more 'activity' too - I should get some tips from him !

I'm a pretty "live and let live" person, but this guy is just plain weird... And his GF looks like Rhea Perlman's mother...

[radhak]

Here are the pics of the patio ceiling :

[pelligrini]

OK, that makes a lot more sense, it's a stucco ceiling. Fastening with just tapcons into the stucco wouldn't be a good idea.

You just need to locate the ceiling joists and fasten into them. If that spacing doesn't work with where you want to place the swing you can block across the joists in the attic, but that looks like it wouldn't be easy. In the photos there look to be a fairly low pitch. There probably isn't much room up there or access may be tough.

[Uncle Cracker]

Even attaching to the ceiling joists may be touchy, as the weight of the swing and its occupant(s) may cause some flexing of the joists when in motion, and stucco does not offer much give, even if applied over wallboard... it will simply crack. Might be prudent to consider a swing with an A-frame support.

[pelligrini]

That's a good point too.

If you do hang it from the joists and you do get some cracks, you might consider an elastomeric finish coat on the ceiling. It will hide small cracks. I'm sure you could find a pretty close color match to what you have.

[radhak]

You have given me cause to pause. Access to the space above the ceiling is almost impossible (calling it an 'attic' would be a misnomer). I am no longer sure I want to do this...lemme sleep over it.

Thanks, still.

[mdutch]

You have given me cause to pause. Access to the space above the ceiling is almost impossible (calling it an 'attic' would be a misnomer). I am no longer sure I want to do this...lemme sleep over it.

Thanks, still.

I'd run a 24-36" paint-finished YP 2x4 (or hardwood plank) that's lagged into the joists, with the brackets top-bolted through the plank with washers. With the load distributed along several countersunk lag bolts, you should be able to get good support.