Installing Celing Fans

[Northendzone]

So I want to swap out the celing light fixtures in the kids rooms and install some celing fans this summer.

for those that have done this, have you gone up into the attic and done some reinforcing around the electrical box, or have you just put them up using the exsisting box and whateve stuff is supplied in with the celing fan......

[Hanni]

I didn't install them but I know all 4 fans in my house have added support. I believe it is just a 2x4 from joist to joist, but it's been a couple of years since I've looked in the attic.

[bc-chris]

when we built our house (6 yrs ago), we knew which rooms were going to get fans

all those electrical boxes had extra reinforcing... like Hanni mentioned - an extra piece of wood between the joists

[Caged Great]

Definitely a piece of wood. It also depends on how heavy the piece is (fan in this case). I'd recommend putting 2X6's if possible instead 2X4 just to be on the safe side. For the minor cost difference (a couple bucks if that) it would give you a lot more secure of a fixture.

[Jacks]

FYI, As with anything you get what you pay for. Don't buy one of those cheapy $20 fans, I did once and it was loud and not very well balanced.

[Ashartus]

Realistically the fan isn't going to fall even without added support - the boxes are mounted pretty securely since some light fixtures can be pretty heavy. I had one in my old condo where I had no access to the joists and it was fine. However, if it's feasible there isn't really any downside to adding the extra support, since the cost is pretty negligible and in a house where you can access the attic it usually isn't very hard to do. I agree with Jacks about not buying a cheapy fan.

[Northendzone]

I seem to recall masking the builder to put in some extra support around the fixtures.

Guess I need to climb up there and have a look - that should be fun.

Anyone ever crawled around in their attic before? What is the best way to maneover around up there?

[bc-chris]

Originally Posted by Northendzone

I seem to recall masking the builder to put in some extra support around the fixtures.

Guess I need to climb up there and have a look - that should be fun.

Anyone ever crawled around in their attic before? What is the best way to maneover around up there?

...very carefully!!!!

i know a few guys that would lay strips of 3/4" ply or 2x6s to walk on. the main thing is don't step-off the trusses!!

[DuffMan]

You can also buy this ceiling fan support rod type thing at hd.
As far as going in your attic goes, if it is in summer it will be fin hot. If you have blown in insulation you should wear a mask and coveralls and probably bags over your shoes. It ain't pretty.