I'm looking to install a sensory swing in one of our second-story bedrooms and ran into an unexpected issue while checking the attic. Above the room, there's just blown insulation and joists, but when I used a stud finder, I discovered a metal sheet above the drywall after drilling a hole for the swing anchor.
Can anyone tell me what this metal sheet is for? Should I be worried about drilling into it, and what's the best way to find a joist in that area to safely hang the swing? Just for context, my house is in North Carolina and was built in 2012, and the room features a tray ceiling where I want to install the swing in the higher portion.
2 Answers
It sounds like it could be a strike plate that stops screws or nails from hitting electrical wiring. I’d recommend trying to drill a bit further out from where you’ve already been—maybe a few inches in any direction—because the joists might be located differently over the tray ceiling.
That metal sheet is likely an air return, which is pretty common in homes. You should be fine since it’s not structural, but just make sure not to hang anything from it.