Accessing ceiling cavity

[JMB]

I am currently building an internal dividing wall in a garage, and have to access the ceiling cavity so as to attach some L-brackets to the top plate of the frame. I am new to having to crawl through roofs and am wondering how I get up into there. The garage is attached to the house but I am imagining the man hole may be far far away and I will have a long way to crawl. The roof is tiled so would it be possible to get into the ceiling this way.

If I also add that I am a woman would that make people on this forum more likely to offer advice?

JMB

[johnc]

JMB

Welcome to the forum, I don't know if being a woman makes much difference everyone seems to be accepted here and there a number of women contributors.

If there is no foil under the tiles you can easily gain access by sliding back and removing the odd tile and slipping in through the space provided. Without being rude your size will determine if you can squeeze through but an average sized person shouldn't have any trouble. Just be careful on the roof they can be slippery so no going up when the roof is damp and choose footwear with a bit of grip, such as runners.

[JMB]

Thanks for the reply. I shouldnt have a problem squeezing through the tiles but still a bit worried about how to lift up the tiles and not have them slide off roof etc.

[journeyman Mick]

JMB,
unless you've got a really low pitched roof then walking/crawling from the manhole shouldn't be a problem. Ohterwise it's:
a) lift some tiles, or
b) cut a new manhole in the garage ceiling.

Mick

[Skew ChiDAMN!!]

Thanks for the reply. I shouldnt have a problem squeezing through the tiles but still a bit worried about how to lift up the tiles and not have them slide off roof etc.

Isn't that what gutters are for? (So asks the ex-swampy installer. ) Seriously, lay the first few tiles so the bases are in the gutter, then use those tiles to support the ones above 'em.

Personally, I'd just cut a new manhole in the garage ceiling.

[Iain]

If tyhe roof is slippery wear a pair of expl,orer or similar socks over your shoes.
This offers excellent grip and is a bit like felt sole boots for fishing/wading on slimy rocks, the grip is unbelievable.

[JMB]

Well...there is foil under the tiles, clients would rather that I didn't put a man hole in their ceiling and the current man hole is not too far from where I have to work so tomorrow its up the ladder, across the ceiling and another new experience crossed off the list.

[journeyman Mick]

JMB,
my apologies if you already know this, but just in case you don't as walking/crawling in a ceiling is new to you, you do know to not step on the ceiling battens don't you? Only walk on the truss chords, ceiling joist or tops of walls. Apologies again if you knew this, but rather not have to field your "how do I repair a ceilng batten & patch a ceiling?" question.

Mick

[JMB]

Not quite sure what were truss chords and what were ceiling joists but got across to garage and back again without doing any damage [that I am aware of]. Most complicated roof structure I have ever seen and difficult to climb under, over and around. Back up there tomorrow to finish job I couldn't work out how to finish today. Something to look forward to at 8am in the morning!

[Iain]

JMB,
my apologies if you already know this, but just in case you don't as walking/crawling in a ceiling is new to you, you do know to not step on the ceiling battens don't you? Only walk on the truss chords, ceiling joist or tops of walls.
Mick

My dear old Dad knows the difference........................................now
Mum gave him heaps for years afterwards too