FALSE CEILING

False Ceilings are best suited alternative for ceiling surfaces requiring fixed, non-porous, non-fibrous as well as non-absorbent material. The various advantages of False Ceilings making them suitable for Indian Homes are:

- Durability
- Light Weight
- Portability
- Waterproof
- Fire Resistant
- Mild Acids and Alkali Resistant
- Unharmed by Fungus or Termites
- Minimal Affect of Harmful Chemicals
- Superior Quality
- Easy Installations
- Inexpensive

A false ceiling is used:

- To conceal service lines, such as air-conditioning systems, electrical wiring and sparklers.
- To give thermal insulation.
- To soundproof rooms such as meeting rooms, auditoriums, etc, which require a quit environment?
- To accommodate lighting systems.
- To provide lighting effects such as hidden lighting, wall washers, cove lighting and floating light effects on the ceiling.
- As a design element.

Advantages of a False Ceiling

A false ceiling has a small space above it, between it and the actual ceiling, which is perfect for hiding wiring, pipes, duct work and insulation. The HVAC duct air returns are often put through false ceilings in office or large building construction, since it hides the ductwork and no holes or channels have to be cut into the existing ceiling. The area above the false ceiling is called, in the trade, a plenum space.

False ceilings can provide for sound deadening qualities, and in fact, the false ceiling was originally developed to take care of acoustic problems in a room. Over the years, the efficiency of a false ceiling for sound absorption has greatly increased.

Fixing plasterboard to a ceiling is never easy and although it is possible to fix it alone it is far easier with two people. Be sure to mark the wall where the studs are to make fastening easier! You can now measure the sheets and fasten them, in most cases it is easiest to use nails as they are far faster but if vibration is going to cause problems you can screw them with bugle headed phosphate coated screws. When fastening the plasterboard ensure that the nails or screws do not tear the paper on the plasterboard, simply make sure they sink below the surface but without tearing the paper.

Cutting plasterboard is very easy and can either be sawn with an old blunt saw or better still score it on the reverse with a sharp knife all the way across, then press the sheet opposite to the score mark and it will break in half, now cut the paper on this side also and the plasterboard is cut perfectly.

Suspended Ceiling Systems

Those who are in interior designing or architecture need not be told what is a suspended or dropped ceiling or would need to know about installing suspended ceilings. For laymen, a brief explanation is warranted before we moved on and went in details. All the same, there are a couple of systems within the the types of suspended ceilings. Take a look.

Exposed Suspended Ceiling

In an exposed drop ceiling, the panels created through the channels of wiring and the 'T' of the ceiling are fixed into a grid. As the name mentions, the suspensions can be seen, are exposed. This type of a false ceiling gives a chance to experiment with the suspended ceiling tiles to be fixed in the grid. It gets installed quickly and in addition to that, there is a void between the original ceiling and the false one. This makes it convenient and easier to maintain it and clean it.

Concealed Suspended Ceiling

As compared to the exposed suspended ceilings these are from the earlier generation of ceilings and less common. It is also termed as concealed grid system in architectural jargon. In this system, there is a method where panels are interlocked into each other as well as the grid. As a result you cannot reach the area or the space above the ceiling without damaging the installation or panels. However, there is a key panel (usually in a corner) which can be removed, helping you slid the other panels, till you reach the coveted panel. These are installed in houses where access to the area above the ceiling is not deemed to be necessary. In houses built sometime earlier, you can find these ceilings. The most prominent disadvantage of this method is that if at all you have to remove and reattach the panels forming the grid, it is very difficult. Moreover, if you are able to do so, it cannot be without causing irreparable damage to the panels which are removed. You may want to read drop ceiling lighting.

In addition to this, there is a type of suspended ceiling which has a free span. There are planks in this design, which need to be held together with the help of a perimeter trim. It is normally used for corridors and such ceilings impart a smooth, seamless look and structure. A demountable table design further will help you access the space between the original and the suspended ceiling as well. That is it, this is where I close the article on suspended ceiling! Till next time, it is adios from me!

PLYWOOD: Plywood ceiling are widely used for their visual appeal. These ceilings are created with strips of ply glued or nailed together. The strips are held together and strengthened with ply supports at equal distances. Ply ceiling are generally used in place with cold climates.

Types of false ceiling

Timber ceilings are a feature of older buildings and are beautiful when the wood is exposed. These usually have supporting members of thick sections of wood that are transverse by smaller planks of wood. The beams should either be polished or varnished because paint will conceal the grain.

A timber false ceiling is generally made up of slats of wood that are fitted simultaneously using a tongue and groove joint. Lights may be inserted into the slats if required. Brick vaults are found in older structures too. These are intricately detailed, with bosses and moldings embellishing the structure. These domes that usually find some expression in the altitude as well enhance the grand homes.

Some people use stained, coloured or etched glass panels inset into their ceilings. These can add strength to a house especially if lit from above. Skylights can also be inserted into a structural system to allow light. These can be made using fiberglass, acrylics or toughened glass. Mirror chips can be inserted into plaster for dramatic finish at home. Fabric is inexpensive materials that may be draped across ceilings overstated panels are exotic and interesting. Children's rooms can have interesting murals or collages on the ceiling maybe a mobile can be part of the home décor. In child's room one can also attach stars and the moon in metallic finishes to the ceiling.

There are countless ways in which to make the roof special. Just combine the materials with clever lighting to achieve the effect one desires to enhance the look of the house.