Installing a standard outdoor ceiling fan on my patio, where the patio light is. I removed the light and fixture and I'm getting ready to mount the metal electrical box to support the fan. Here's my dilemma... When the builders drilled the light fixture hole into the ceiling they drilled it about 1/4 inch too close to the main support beam. So, in order to fit the original electrical box in, they grooved out a portion of the support beam so it would fit.
Well, this prevents me from being able to mount the bracket for my electrical box to that beam. Now there is a smaller 2x4 that runs perpendicular to the main beam (basically sits in between the two main support beams).
Question is, can I mount the bracket to the 2x4 to support the fan? It's laying flat so I'll be mounting it to the 2" side. I've pulled on it pretty hard and it seems solid. I am a little concerned because I don't see any screws/nails actually attaching it to the beams... But it can't just be wedged in there right? Home is 8 years old.