Attaching screws to aluminum floor joists
Short Version - Is it ok to use self-tapping screws to attach items to the aluminum floor joists on the ceiling of my basement.
Long Version - Like most basements, mine has a thin divider "protecting" the pluming and wiring from the stuff I store in the basement. That divider is only attached at the floor of the basement and on the two outside walls. In addition, they left a lot of open space in the "protected" area that can be used for storage if I clean up a few wires, etc. When I reconfigure this divider, would it be ok to attach wood framing to the underside of the aluminum floor joists to give the divider better support at the top. I would likely use self-tapping screws.
Long Version - Like most basements, mine has a thin divider "protecting" the pluming and wiring from the stuff I store in the basement. That divider is only attached at the floor of the basement and on the two outside walls. In addition, they left a lot of open space in the "protected" area that can be used for storage if I clean up a few wires, etc. When I reconfigure this divider, would it be ok to attach wood framing to the underside of the aluminum floor joists to give the divider better support at the top. I would likely use self-tapping screws.
