A Ceiling Buyers and Maintenance Guide
When planning to install a new ceiling, you should consider a variety of key factors. There is an expansive list of options to choose from for a ceiling type. The two main categories of ceilings include direct-apply ceiling (without a grid) and “suspended” or drop-ceiling (which have a grid).
Suspended ceilings
If you like modern interiors then a suspended ceiling is the option to go with. Made from mineral fibers, metal, vinyl & plastic, suspended ceiling truly is fit for all needs.
With a suspended ceiling, several components are factored in. First, there is the original ceiling that is secured to the roof. Below it lies the plenum, which is the space between the original and suspended ceiling where any insulation materials, electrical cables, and other relevant components are stored.
Install everything needed for the room, without unsightly wires and materials exposed. Using a suspended ceiling- the structure is composed of threaded rods and rails. A supporting structure is used to affix the visible part of the ceiling. It can be made of plaster, PVC, or even brick. Most of the ceiling panels we offer are made out of mineral fibers.
Mineral Fiber Ceiling Panels:
Mineral fiber ceiling panel is a high-grade interiors decorative material with the slag fiber as the main raw material. It has undergone the process of burdening, forming, drying, cutting, surface finishing and spray coating after being added with additive. It has beautiful, novel and elegant esthetic decorative effect and the anti-fire rating, acoustic absorption and enviromental protection excellent internal properties.
Mineral fiber product features:
- Environment protection
- Light weight and high strength
- Easy installation
- Decorative
- Flame proof
- Acoustic absorption
- Moisture resistance
- And many more….
Celenit false-ceiling is specifically designed to improve the acoustic comfort of the rooms, is easy to instal, and can be installed either in adherence to the floor or lowered, using a visible or hidden structure.
Safety of the room’s occupants is guaranteed: Celenit false-ceiling is certified as anti-shatterproof and fire-resistant (EI60 false ceiling). The wood wool panels are environmentally friendly, available in different colors and edge finishes.
Suspended-ceilings are made to contain and hide the false-ceiling system. In a suspended-ceiling, ducts, and pipes can be hidden out of sight. A false-ceiling can also hide HVAC units. If doing so, it is essential that the false ceilings can be inspected, as it constitutes as a technical compartment- in which electrical, hydraulic, telematic networks can pass.
A suspended-ceiling can be the ideal solution for adapting existing structures to fire regulations, as special products allow the creation of a fireproof structure with adequate fire resistance. Finally, a suspended-ceiling is often a solution to improve both the acoustic and thermal quality of an indoor environment- housing the necessary insulation in the air space. At the same time, the insulating layer can perform both functions and guarantee a high level of internal comfort.
Style consideration and features
The “false- ceiling” is the most commonly used in construction or renovation. The suspended ceiling has the advantage of offering a very neat finish while being less expensive than the direct-apply ceiling. Plus, it’s easy to set up. It is easier to dismantle than a direct-apply ceiling because it is a screwed-in fixture and not glued-on fixture.
If the original ceiling is too high, it can be hidden by installing a suspended-ceiling at the desired height. The space released in the plenum allows for efficient insolation in the room, which better maintains both noise-level and temperature differences.
The entire original ceiling can be hidden, or just a part for a more cozy effect over a bar or a dining room table, for example. The possibilities are endless. If a suspended ceiling is being installed on a portion of the ceiling and not all of it, an original shape and design can be used.
Direct apply ceiling
Direct-apply ceilings consist of a frame and slabs. The frame is made of fiberglass materials. The reliability of future finishes depends directly on this suspension system. The materials are light and standard. When creating products, manufacturers use the latest technology. They process the material by placing it in special chambers and adding unique components.
Perforated products: best used when it is necessary to ensure good sound insulation in the room. The embossed surfaces are ideal to create the atmosphere of a building, get a luxurious visual sensation, and get an unusual ceiling shape.
Gypsum: in ancient times this was used for a wide variety of rooms: from burial chambers to palaces. Today, this material is still popular in creating countertops, and has many advantages.
Eco-friendly material: a natural material, with no negative effects on the human body. Rooms with plaster ceilings tend to have a pleasant atmosphere inside.
The ability of these materials to reflect light: coatings reflect most of the light that falls on them. For this reason, it is possible to create plaster ceilings without lighting. It is unnecessary to supply additional light sources even in dark environments with poor natural lighting.
Quality of thermal insulation: Plaster ceilings can keep rooms consistently warm. By using plaster ceilings, there is a potential for high savings in energy bills during the winter months.
Some of the available variants include:
- Tin ceilings
- Faux-tin ceilings
- Facade decorative thermoplastic panels
- Staple-up ceiling tiles
DIY versus professional installation
Opt to install the ceiling as a DIY project or hire a professional.
Although it is possible to complete the job as a DIY project, the task requires skill and dedication. Professionals can install the ceiling quickly without any flaws. On the other hand, a DIY project eliminates the cost of labor, thus saving a significant amount of money.
Installing a suspended ceiling
During the installation of a suspended ceiling, factors such as load take are important to consider. First determine the need or ability (depending on each case) to bring the ceiling of a room to a decidedly lower level and meet the spacial requirements needed for the renovation, space for ducting, increasing energy efficiency, and more.
The load factor must be considered in the weight that the ceiling can handle- which may vary significantly, depending on the thickness of the slabs used and the number of their superimposed layers.
In both cases, the deciding factor of these issues is the slope or the suspension system connected to the combined hanger. This simple but important factor is what allows adjusting the height (lowering) of the ceiling (within certain limits).
At the same time, it supports the weight due to its load-class and distance between centers, and between one hanger and another. Along the path of primary warping, it goes from a minimum of 650 mm with load class up to 65 kg/m² (high weight) to a maximum of 1200 mm with load class up to 15 kg / m² (lightweight).
Along the shape of the secondary warping, the distance between the hangers can be 400 or 500 mm. The dimensions depend on the choice of laying (longitudinal or transversal of the slabs on the warping).
The ability of the suspension system being adjustable in its extension is not the sole reason to lower a suspended ceiling. It also ensures a precise adjustment of each unit to result in a perfectly flat surface.
Ceilings Buying Guide and Installations: Traditional slope
The traditional suspension system is formed by a hook and a hanger. A hook is characterized by a spring, which allows the adjustment and immobilization of the hanger; on the end there is an actual hook, on which the primary frame is inserted. The hanger is a 4 mm diameter rod which has an eyelet on the end.
According to the DIN 18168-2 standard, this suspension element has a load class of 0.25 kN: meaning that it is certified to hold up to 25 kg in weight.
Perimeter guide
Once the desired height of the false-ceiling has been measured, the first task is to trace, using a laser level, the height of what should be the support surface for the plasterboard slabs. On the reference line, around the entire perimeter of the room, the U profiles are applied, fixing them, in the case of masonry with screws and expansion plugs.
Self-drilling/tapping screws can be placed in a way to prevent underlying warping. Before affixing, apply a strip of 4 mm double-sided adhesive tape to the back of the guide.
The hook is inserted on the hanger, relying on the two springs. In this way the 4 mm diameter rod slides freely in the spring holes; when they are released the block is implemented.
Using the laser level beam, each hook is brought to a near-perfect height. For a precise reference, bring the centering mask- which is usually supplied with the levels- under the hook.
The double frame false ceiling preempts the profiles of the primary frame, and are placed above the perimeter guide. To affix, position the hooks aligned inside the U.
If the springs are in a locked position, they prevent the hook from sliding on the hanger- allowing it to rotate. The rotary movement of the hook is used to fit it inside the U of the profiles.
When the profiles of the primary framework are affixed, the secondary are applied and connected to the first using orthogonal hooks.
A ceiling molding has a purely decorative function. Moldings are often located around luminaires in the form of rosettes, but can also be distributed over the entire surface of the ceiling. Ceiling moldings can be made of different materials: plaster (reinforced with fibers), polyurethane, polystyrene, or wood.
Custom ceiling moldings are most often made by a professional. They can also be purchased premade in DIY stores. Plaster is the most common material for ceiling moldings.
Polyurethane offers a more modern variant, and polystyrene is the most economical choice for a molding. Wooden moldings are the most expensive option because they require the skills of a craftsman for their production. They also tend to be heavy and must be screwed in for support.
Moldings can be painted in a variety of colors, and adapt to many styles- from classic to whimsical.
