CONSTRUCTION AND MATERIALS

FINISHES CEILINGS

CEILINGS
Ceilings can be classified into three groups based on how they are attached to the structure. They can be suspended from the structure, Attached directly to the structure, The structure and the finish ceiling can be same component.

CEILINGS (cont.)
Residential construction:
Gypsum wallboard placed directly on the floor joists or ceiling joists with mechanical attachment using screws or nails.

Commercial construction:
The ceiling is a wire suspended system supporting a finished surface of acoustical tile gypsum wallboard, or other decorative material.

CEILINGS (cont.)
Suspended ceiling provides a flat ceiling surface for partition attachment, lights, and acoustical treatment and allows the space above the ceiling, called the plenum, to be used for mechanical systems, wiring, and other services.

Suspended Acoustical Ceilings

These ceilings are the most common type for commercial construction. They consist of thin panels of wood fiber, mineral fiber, or glass fiber set in a support grid of metal framing that is suspended by wires from the structure. The tiles are perforated or fissured in various ways to absorb sound.

Suspended Acoustical Ceilings (cont.)

The advantages of suspended acoustical ceilings include low cost, fast installation, sound control, flexibility, adaptability to lighting and mechanical services, and easy accessibility to the plenum.

Suspended Acoustical Ceilings (cont.)

Acoustical ceiling components:
Acoustical ceiling tiles and the metal supporting grid are available in a variety of sizes and configurations. The most common type is the lay-in system in which panels are simply laid on top of an exposed Tshaped grid system (See Figure 2.2(a)). A variation of this is the tegular system that uses panels with rabbeted edges, as shown in Figure 2.2 (b). Systems are also available in which the grid is completely concealed. Figure 2.2(c).

Suspended Acoustical Ceilings (cont.)

Beveled-edged tiles are better than square-edged tiles because the slight bevel helps prevent edge chipping and conceals minor misalignments between tiles. Whichever system is used, the tile at the perimeter walls is supported by a ceiling angle.

Suspended Acoustical Ceilings (cont.)

Manufacturers offer many types of grid shapes and sizes. Some of these are shown in Figure 2.3. See catalogs for dimensions.

Suspended Acoustical Ceilings (cont.)

Standard ceiling assemblies:
Suspended acoustical ceilings are installed by attaching hanger wires to the structural floor or roof and using these wires to support lengths of the grid system spaced 1.20 m. on center. Cross tees are then snapped into prepunched holes in the main runners every 60 cm. Figure 2.5.

Suspended Acoustical Ceilings (cont.)

Because acoustical ceilings cannot stop sound from passing through them, plenum sound barriers are required above partitions that extend from the floor to the underside of the suspended ceiling when acoustical privacy is needed.

Suspended Acoustical Ceilings (cont.)

The easiest and least expensive way is to lay fire-rated sound attenuation insulation on top of the ceiling tile for a distance of about 1.20 m. On either side of the partition line, as shown in Figure 2.6.

Coordination
Because ceilings serve so many purposes in todays construction in addition to acoustical control, there are many elements that must be coordinated with the selection and detailing of ceiling system. These elements can include recessed lights, duct work, sprinkler piping, fire alarm speakers, smoke detectors, and other recessed items.

Surface Mounted Items

All the mechanical, electrical, and architectural items that must be mounted on the ceiling should be considered. They must be located consistent with the design plan, while satisfying the limitations and of functions and code requirements. Light fixtures, HVAC air grilles and registers, speakers, smoke detectors, sprinkler heads, fire alarms and signs.

Recessed Lights
The space above suspended ceiling is packed with ducts, conduit, and piping. It must be verified that there is sufficient clearance for recessed lights, and specified design features.

Access
If there is a great deal of mechanical equipment, valves, electrical junction boxes, and other items requiring access, a ceiling system must be selected that is easy to open up and return into place without damage.

Remodeling Work
In remodeling work, painting existing acoustical tiles is sometimes seen as economical way to refinish ceilings. However, painting may destroy the acoustical value of the tiles. Instead, replacing or cleaning the tiles should be considered.

Heavy Loads
When partitions extend only to the suspended ceiling, additional bracing may be required for heavy loads suspended on the partition, such as bookcases. Additional bracing will prevent wall shake from heavy doors being closed and can be used for earthquake bracing. Bracing may consist of diagonal studs screwed through the ceiling into the top runner of the partition and secured to the structural floor above.

Gypsum Wallboard Ceilings

When wallboard is attached directly to structural framing, such as joists, the only other components to the assembly are fasteners tape, and joint compound. Screws are almost always used for both ceiling and partition construction because they are faster and easier to install and do not pull out of the framing.

Gypsum Wallboard Ceilings (cont.)

When wallboard is suspended, a framing grid of steel channels and furring channels are suspended from the structure above like an acoustical ceiling.

Gypsum Wallboard Ceilings (cont.)

For residential construction, wallboard is screwed directly to the ceiling joists. Although gypsum wallboard ceilings in commercial construction provide a smooth, uninterrupted finished ceiling, they lack the easy accessibility of suspended acoustical ceilings.

Gypsum Wallboard Ceilings (cont.)

Because of this, where access to valves, junction boxes, fire dampers, or other equipment or services is required, access panels must be installed in the ceiling. These are prefabricated steel units with a hinged door that allow the wallboard to be framed into them.

Gypsum Wallboard Ceilings (cont.)

In addition to a flat ceiling, gypsum wallboard can be formed into nearly any configuration. Stepped, sloped, coffered, vaulted, and arched ceilings are all possible using various combinations of suspended framing and studs to form the basic shape.

Gypsum Wallboard Ceilings (cont.)

When acoustical control is required in residential construction, resilient channels are attached to the joists and sound attenuation insulation placed between joists. For sloped, vaulted, or arched ceilings, it must be verified that there is no interference from duct work, piping, or other obstructions.

Plaster Ceilings
Lath and plaster ceilings are constructed similarly to lath and plaster partitions. Like their partition counterparts, lath and plaster ceilings cost more than gypsum wallboard ceilings and are more difficult to construct. However they can easily be curved to form complex shapes.

Decorative Suspended Ceilings

Many other types of decorative suspended ceilings are available. They are all suspended with either wires or threaded rods anchored to the structure above. The visible, finished portion of the ceiling can be vertical metal baffles, wood strips, mirrored panels, open grids of aluminum or wood, or other proprietary systems.

Integrated Ceilings
Integrated ceilings are suspended ceiling systems specifically designed to accommodate acoustical ceiling tile, light fixtures, supply and return air grilles, fire sprinklers, and partition attachment in a consistent, unified way.