Ceiling Systems and Design Quiz

Module 2 - Ceiling

• Lecture 2: Ceiling Systems

Ceiling Systems

• A dropped ceiling is a secondary ceiling, hung below the main (structural) ceiling.
• It's also called a drop ceiling, T-bar ceiling, false ceiling, suspended ceiling, grid ceiling, drop-in ceiling, or drop-out ceiling.
• The area above the dropped ceiling is called the plenum space.

History

• First used in Japan for aesthetics (1337-1573).
• Later used in the Black Friars Theatre, London (1596) for acoustics.
• Early dropped ceilings used interlocking tiles, making inspection/repair time-consuming and expensive.

Function of the Ceiling

• Visual: color, texture, pattern, shape
• Control diffusion of:
  • Light
  • Sound
• Conceal MPE (mechanical, pipe, electrical)
• Accommodate: lights, diffusers, communication, sprinklers
• Fire resistance
• Distribution/return of HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning)

Types of Ceiling

• Exposed Structural & MPE
• Tightly Attached
• Suspended
• Interstitial

Interstitial Ceilings

• Common with elaborate MPE systems (like in hospitals and laboratories).
• Purpose: accommodate extensive MPE (mechanical, pipe, electrical) systems.
• Provide access for maintenance and updating services.

Exposed Ceilings

• Common in industrial, warehouse settings.

• Economy and ease of maintenance.

• Uses timber, trusses, etc.

• Often used for appearance.

• Flat Plate: painted – common in hotels and apartments for economy and reduced story height.

• Exposed Structure & MPE: used in industrial, warehouse settings for the economy and ease of maintenance (using timber,trusses, etc). Often used for appearance

• Textured Ceiling: "Joint" Preparation for sprayed on textured ceiling

• Exposed Timber & MPE Services: detailed image of an exposed timber and MPE ceiling structure.

Tightly Attached

• Attached directly to joists or slabs.
• Special arrangements/accommodations for structural members (beams, girders) and MPE systems.

Suspended Ceilings

• Suspended from the structure (generally by wires).
• Materials include drywall, plaster, fibrous (acoustic) components.
• Support system (metal framing, furring channels, metal grid).
• Materials including drywall, plaster, fibrous (acoustic) materials.
• Contains a ceiling plenum space housing ducts, pipes, and conduits.
• Acoustic (incombustible fibers).

Materials Used in False Ceilings

• Concealed: Plaster of Paris, Gypsum, Wooden.
• Exposed: Fiber, Synthetic leather/cloth, Glass, Metal.

POP (Plaster of Paris) False Ceiling

• Commonly used for false ceilings.
• Derived from gypsum.
• Hardens instantly when water is added.
• Cove lighting is a key aesthetic feature.
• Composed of a white calcium trioxo carbonate powder.

Gypsum Board

• Soft, light-weight hydrated sulfate of calcium.
• Easier and cheaper to install than traditional methods.
• Available in variable thickness & sizes.
• Sound-insulated, fire resistant, soft, and thermally insulated.
• Finishing options (paints, laminates, wallpapers, texture finish) improve aesthetics.

Edge Types

• Rounded
• Tapered
• Beveled
• Square edge
• Tongue & Groove

Wooden False Ceiling

• Used for roofing and aesthetics, both domestic and commercial.
• Types include suspended ceilings and ceiling tiles.
• Suspended ceiling: a non-structural ceiling suspended below the overhead structural slab or from structural elements, and not bearing onto the walls.
• Ceiling Tiles: standard 12" x 12" or 16" x 16" squares attached to frame connected to vertical members.

Components of Wooden False Ceiling

• Framework: fixing to beams or existing ceiling, spacing of 40 cm.
• Vertical struts: measuring desired height from floor and fixing to corners.

Fixing the Wall Supports and Framework Members

• Using a cord and spirit level to mark off wall support positions.
• Fixing supports horizontally and vertically to the bottom of the struts.
• Applying insulation(panels) over the framework and ensuring panels fit with 60 cm spacing.

Fixing the First Row of Panels

• Start with fixing the first ceiling panel.
• Screws:25 mm plasterboard screws with a spacing between screws of 20 cm.
• Allowing an 8 mm expansion gap between the panel and the wall, covered with a finishing strip later.
• Ensuring there's a clean, dust-free surface to apply solution to fill gaps using a putty knife.

Edging Profile

• Finishing outer edges of the false ceiling with finishing strips attached with adhesive.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Wood Ceiling

• Advantages: versatile finishes, lifespan, strength
• Disadvantages: difficult to maintain, prone to termite attacks, thermally controlled room needed, high flammability, heavy compared to other materials

Glass False Ceiling

• Usually transparent glass isn't used as it contradicts the hiding function of false ceilings.
• Treatment glass (frost glass, back-painted, stained glass, mirror) are used.

Acoustic "Lay-in Panels"

• Exposed metal grid: 2x2 or 2x4 lay-in panels.
• MPE "sized" to fit grid or cut into acoustic tile.
• Economical.

Acoustic Ceiling Grid Systems

• Main Runners: provide main ceiling support, typically spaced 4 feet apart, attached to hangers.
• Additional hangers: needed for supporting MPE loads.
• Cross Tees: intermediate support, spaced depending on tile type, attach to mains.
• Wall Angles: attach to wall.

Architectural Finishing Systems - Suspended Light Gauge Ceiling System

• Components: exposed grid, cross tees, main runner, hanger wire, acoustic lay-in panel.

Concealed Grid Systems

• Acoustical tiles used to hide the grid system.
• Small groove in tiles to slide over the support beams.
• More expensive than exposed systems.
• Difficult for maintenance to access areas above ceiling.

Soffit, Intermediate, and Perimeter Channels

• Soffit cleats hold ceiling angles vertically.
• Intermediate channels form the basic skeleton for holding the suspended ceiling.
• Perimeter channels are fixed along the perimeter for support of intermediate channels.

Ceiling Sections

• Ceiling sections are held in place by intermediate channels.
• Gypsum board is attached with drywall screws.
• Connecting clips are used to connect ceiling sections to intermediate channels.
• Drywall screws fasten gypsum sheets to ceiling sections.

Exposed vs. Concealed Grid Systems

• Exposed: visible grid, usually metal.
• Concealed: hidden grid using acoustical tiles or other materials.

Lights in Ceilings

• Types of lights:
  • Exposed lights
  • Consoled lights
• Types of lights in ceilings:
  • Surface light
  • Spot light
  • Rope light
  • Profile lights

Placement of Lights

• Different ceiling types require different light placement distances.
• Examples provided illustrating placement on different ceiling types.

Metal Ceilings

• Properties: strong, light-weight, corrosion resistant (zinc coated steel or stainless steel).
• Ideal for: modern workspaces, breakout zones, cleanrooms, kitchens, hospitals and transportation.
• Perforations affect acoustic performance.

Metal Ceilings Options

• Plank and tile options offered, including standard tiles, curved and open-cell options.
• Function: metal tiles and planks can accommodate varied acoustic treatments.
• Material: zinc coated steel, aluminum or stainless steel.
• Finish: durable electrostatic factory applied coatings (e.g. polyester powder or coil).

Types of Metal Ceilings

• Clip and Tile
• Plank
• S-Curve Shape
• Open Cello

Properties of Clip-In Tile and Plank

• Plain, monolithic surface
• Minimum plenum clearance
• Choice of dimensions
• Easy to clean
• Swing down option for easy access

Other ways to use glass in false ceilings

• Fix vertical members
• Fix horizontal members
• Fix glass on top

Fiberboard and Fiber/Mineral Reinforced Tiles

• Mineral-reinforced tiles: ceramics, with natural stone, wood, vegetable fiber, bitumen, and tars.
• Fiberboard tiles: strengthened with wood, vegetable fiber, wood waste, reed paper and agricultural wastes.

Advantages of Fiberboard

• High insulation against sound and fire.
• Increased hardness and toughness of the material.
• Can be decorated with paint or other finishes, enhancing aesthetics.
• Water repellents/preservatives can increase lifespan.
• May use mineral fibers or fire-rated wood panels/construction to meet fire safety standards or ratings.

Synthetic Leather False Ceilings

• Materials: leather or cloth, thermocol.
• Design options: any form, shape, or pattern.

Other Light-Weight False Ceilings

• Lightweight and new.
• Not extensively used, good for temporary structures.
• Collects dust, low light transfer property.

Summary Table of Materials and Uses