what is ceiling made of?
Depending on the aesthetics of a space, the economy of the materials or even their long-term maintenance, there are various types of ceilings that are capable of meeting the technical and functional needs of architectural projects. Regardless of their manufacturing method, whether industrialised or handcrafted, ceilings represent a constructive element that constitutes the finish or interior cladding of roofs.
In addition to providing an interior finish, ceilings also fulfil other functions ranging from acoustic conditioning or thermal insulation to reducing the scale of rooms and concealing structural elements, unevenness or installations to conceal irregularities in ceilings. Below, we propose to classify them according to the way they are installed, their materiality and, at the same time, their use, understanding that none of these classifications is mutually exclusive and that the same ceiling can fulfil all the purposes regardless of its construction characteristics.
Depending on the intended use of the space, it is possible to define ceilings according to three concepts:
Depending on their construction method, they can be:
Related article:How are ceilings constructed?
On the other hand, a classification of ceilings can be established according to the material used. We will mention some of them:
Reinforced plaster ceilings have the particularity of combining a wooden structure that is independent of the ceiling, through a fabric or metal mesh (unfolded metal) from which the plaster is grabbed, which is applied in successive layers. The main laths (mother beams) are taken from the perimeter of the walls and to them, smaller ones are nailed perpendicularly and at a certain distance, thus forming the structure.
Applied plaster ceilings are used to plaster the slabs through a mixture of reinforced lime or gypsum while those made of gypsum rock slabs are industrialised systems that are used suspended and are known by various names such as plasterboard, drop ceiling, etc. or by their better-known brand names such as Durlock, Knauf or Pladur. In the latter case, the whole system is mounted on a galvanised profile structure on which the plaster rock slabs are fixed and whose joints, as the joint is taken, are putty-finished and sanded, leaving a smooth, seamless ceiling as a result. On the other hand, ceramic plasterboard ceilings are also mounted on a hanging structure, but they consist of a metal structure together with square plasterboards with synthetic fibres and their finish leaves the joints visible due to their removable configuration like fibreglass ceilings.
These types of ceilings can be implemented both suspended and unsuspended. In the case of tongue and groove ceilings, individual wooden slats, planks or boards are used, which are assembled or fitted together through their mouldings and maintain the same properties of wood, which are strength, flexibility, elasticity and durability. Nowadays, there are other materials such as MDF boards, plywood, laminated wood or synthetic wood, among others, which are placed on removable plates and are held in place by a metal framework.
Including different textures, finishes, colours and shapes, this type of plastic (polyvinyl chloride) ceiling is quite light and is usually used suspended, mounted on a metal structure of galvanised profiles from which the plastic finishes are taken.
Using aluminium or sheet metal panels, these ceilings are usually demountable and are used suspended.
They are made up of a perimeter structure on which a PVC fabric is stretched and tied to provide a taut and smooth surface. Generally, they are not used in homes, but they can be used in bathrooms and kitchens.
A variety of materials is used for constructing ceilings in a home. By far the most common today is the same as that used for walls—drywall (also known as gypsum wallboard or by the trade name Sheetrock). Drywall is attached to a structure of ceiling joists with drywall screws or nails.
The selection of false ceiling material significantly depends on the residential or commercial space and the scope of functionality and aesthetics we aim to achieve.
Do check out Pinterest for some of the latest designs of 2022 for inspiration.
A false ceiling is categorized under the finishing activity of a construction building to deliver solutions for covering the framework, beams, ducts, and electrical wiring. It is also used for soundproofing, heat insulation, and aesthetic ceiling lighting requirements.
This article will discuss eight types of false ceiling material mentioned below. We will discuss their manufacturing process, material properties, recommended areas to be used, and available sizes and designs in the market.
Plaster of Paris, also called POP, is among the most widely used materials in interior finishes.
It is manufactured by dehydrating calcium sulfate ( CaSO4), commonly known as gypsum, and sold in bags of different sizes. It comes in a powder form mixed with water to form a paste.
Due to its economical pricing structure and flexibility to create diverse design patterns, it is commonly used in most low-budget to mid-premium houses. However, many premium spaces also take advantage of its flexibility. It complements other ceiling boards and can be easily used with other false ceiling materials.
POP though economical, may not be the best choice from a sustainability perspective as it can lead to a lot of construction wastage and make the site chaotic. It can also be labour intensive, leading to a high probability of delay and human error unless executed by skilled labour and under continuous monitoring.
Despite some disadvantages, POP has negligible maintenance cost and is a good insulation material.
Gypsum false ceiling is another popular material quickly replacing POP material.
As the name suggests, it is manufactured by pouring calcined gypsum slurry in layers between recycled papers to form a sandwich and compressed under heat to form a solid board.
Gypsum false ceiling though not limited, commonly comes in the thickness of 6mm, 9mm, and 12mm. 12mm thickness commonly makes up the false ceiling material.
Due to its quick installation time frame, it is quickly gaining popularity. Unlike POP, it does not leave behind hard-to-clean messy post-installation concerns.
Gypsum false ceiling material can cost about 20–30% more (depending on the location) compared to POP. However, its fixing method is effortless and therefore does not require investment in highly skilled labour.
Another advantage of gypsum false ceilings is their flexibility with painting material and lamination. Before painting, all surfaces of the false gypsum ceiling should be prepared by applying at least one coat of recommended drywall primer, depending on the paint type.
Laminated gypsum false ceilings are manufactured in their ready-to-use make and are readily available in the market.
They are made of solid natural wood such as teak wood, pine wood, or sleeper wood which is expensive compared to POP and gypsum.
Other materials such as Medium Density Fiber wood, commonly known as MDF, are comparatively economical false ceiling wooden materials.The wooden false ceiling comes in the form of hollow blocks, panels, or boards.
Similar to Gypsum false ceiling, wooden false ceiling can also be optimized with laminated patterns per the customer’s requirement. It can also be used with other materials such as gypsum, metal, or PVC.
A wooden false ceiling is a good investment for long-term usage as it rarely requires maintenance. However, it is susceptible to termites, so proper treatment is necessary before installation. It is also recommended to avoid having wooden false ceilings in areas prone to fire.
Wooden false ceiling material has excellent heat insulation properties and is the desired choice, particularly for cold climates. It is a widespread choice among homeowners with a higher budget that wants to bring out the premium finishing in their house.
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