I Will describe the following things in this document-
what is a false ceiling? types of false ceiling, how to fit a false ceiling, advantages of false ceiling, disadvantages of false ceiling and so many things in define. If any query so you can comment me in a comment box.
1. Ceilings
Why choose a False Ceiling?
Ceilings offer the largest unobstructed view of a room and are the first thing people
notice when they enter a house. As a result, the ceiling is an important element of
room design and defines its aesthetics. Since a ceiling has a large surface area, it plays
an important role in the acoustic and thermal comfort of a room.
dropped ceiling is often a secondary ceiling, hung below the main (structural) ceiling.
It may also be referred to as a drop ceiling, T-bar ceiling, false ceiling,
or suspended ceiling, and is a staple of modern construction and architecture. The
area above the dropped ceiling is called the plenum space, as it is sometimes used for
HVAC air return. The plenum space is also very commonly used to conceal piping,
wiring, and/or duct work.
False ceiling is provided below the roof slab on suspended supports. The
false celling is usually provided for temperature control (heat insulation for
AC), to install lights, or to conceal electrical and other networking cables and
ugly or too high ceiling. It isthe suspended ceiling between the main ceiling and room. tt
gives ‘beautiful appearance toy our interior home. ;
Types of False Ceiling:
False ceilings can be differentiated into many types based on their uses, material used and
appearance and visibility.
The major classification based on materials used are listed briefly below,
1. Gypsum Ceiling
2. Plaster of Paris Ceiling
3. Fiber Ceiling
4. Wooden Ceiling
5. Glass Ceiling
6. Metal Ceiling
7. Synthetic Leather or Cloth Ceiling
1. Gypsum False Ceiling:
2. Gypsum false ceiling is a hydrated sulfate of calcium. This type of false ceiling are
lightweight, sound insulated, fire resistance, soft and thermally insulated.
Gypsum false ceiling comes in the shape of square boards that are hung with the help of
iron framework. The finishing work on these boards like paints, laminates, wallpapers and
texture finish gives good look.
2. Plaster of Paris Ceiling:
Plaster of Paris (POP) is the majorly used material in the construction of false ceiling. POP is
obtained when gypsum is heated to a certain degree. It gives the both aesthetical and
functional help.Plaster of Paris false ceiling are attractive, almost no maintenance and has a
long life span. They are very excellent insulators or heat and cold.
These types of false ceiling don’t only hide the ugly members of structure, ventilation ducts
and conduits but also give smooth finish to the ceiling.
3. Fiber False Ceiling:
Fiber false ceiling are in high demand for the construction of false ceiling due
to low cost and east installation. The material used to manufacture fiber
ceiling panels are man made by synthetic and natural minerals. As these are
man-made they come in many shapes and sizes.
4. Wooden False Ceiling
Wooden false ceiling is used due to its natural textures and pattern.
Nowadays this types of false ceiling are used commonly as it gives a
pleasant look to the eyes.
Wooden false ceiling being costly, is not used in malls and hospitals but can
be installed in residential buildings. They can be given various finishes, or
painted to get the right look.
Wooden false ceiling has many disadvantages, majorly which are:
• Prone to thermite attack.
• Prone to warping.
• The room should be thermally controlled.
3. 5. Glass False Ceiling:
One of the type of false ceiling used in construction are of glass. It is a non-
crystalline material with the property of brittle and transparent. But this can
be altered to make it non brittle and non-transparent using some
admixtures.
As glass is a good insulator of heat, it can be used for false ceiling. This type
of false ceiling improves aesthetical appearance of the building.
6. Metal Ceiling:
As metal is a hard and durable material, it is used extensively in the false
ceiling. When the metal surface is polished it gives a shiny surface which is a
treat for eyes.
The metals used in this are galvanized iron and aluminum. The cost of this
ceiling are low as they are easy to install and access. The hidden members
of the structure are easily accessed as the panels are easily removable and
reattached. The construction cost becomes less as the installation, fixing and
maintained is low.
7. Synthetic Leather or Cloth Ceiling:
The materials used in this type of ceilings are either leather or cloth. As both
the used materials are man-made they can be given any form, shape and
design which improves the aesthetic view of interior of the building.
As these collects dust and has low light transferring property it’s only used in
temporary tents or other temporary buildings.
Advantages of False Ceiling:
• It provides a smooth homogeneous surface to the roof.
• It provides fire protection as it creates compartmentation.
• False ceiling helps in acoustical treatment.
• It conceals all the non-pleasing elements and hides it from the viewer’s
eyes.
4. • It also hides the pipelines and the electrical cables running in the room. All
the ducts of air-conditioning can be hidden under it.
• False ceiling materials are easy to install and cheap as compared to
traditional roof systems.
• False ceiling has many advantages: It provides a smooth homogeneous surface to the roof. It
provides fire protection as it creates compartmentation. False ceiling helps in acoustical treatment. It
conceals all the non-pleasing elements and hides it from the viewer’s eyes. It also hides the
pipelines and the electrical cables running in the room. All the ducts of air-conditioning can be hidden
under it. False ceiling materials are easy to install and cheap as compared to traditional roof
systems.
Disadvantages of False Ceiling:
• The most worrying aspect of having a false ceiling would be pests. They can
get through into the space between and can start their own breeding which
might lead to a lot of trouble.
• Also be careful while putting up decorations or hangings while you have a
false ceiling in place. Make sure you know the strength and durability, do’s
and don’ts with regard to your ceiling.
• Lastly, the false ceiling would reduce the height of the ceiling
considerably and hence do not install false ceiling unless you have a
decent ceiling height.
How to fit a false ceiling
1. Option 1: Fixing the framework DIRECTLY
to the beams or plastered ceiling
Start by fixing a wooden framework to act as supporting structure directly to
the existing ceiling or roofing beams. Make sure you use the right plugs.
Note that the roofing beams may be of different heights. Fix the wooden
supports with a spacing of 40 cm. The ceiling panels are then screwed to
the wooden framework.
5. As in step 1, fix the supports to the ceiling with equal spacings of 40 cm.
Screw the supports to the existing ceiling using screws and plugs. Make
sure you fit all the supports at the same height.
2. Fixing vertical struts to the supports
The next step is to decide on the height of the new ceiling. Measure the
desired height from the floor and mark it off at the 4 corners. You can then
use struts of the right length to fix the false ceiling panels. Fix the struts to
the supports on the ceiling. The insulation panels are usually 60 cm wide.
So if you also fix the struts with a 60 cm spacing, the insulation panels will
fit exactly between them. That means you won’t need to cut the panels to
size.
3. Fixing the wall supports and framework
members
Use a cord and a spirit level to mark off the positions of the wall supports
on the wall. A laser level is a good solution if you have one. The underside
of the framework will then be horizontal. Fix the wall supports to the wall
along the marked lines with plugs and screws, and then fix the framework
members all at the same height to the bottoms of the struts.
4. Apply the insulation
6. The insulation panels are then fitted over the framework members. If you
have fitted the struts with spacings of 60 cm you will be able to fix the
insulation panels without the need to cut them to size. Don’t forget to apply
insulation between the vertical struts to create an uninterrupted insulation
layer. Always wear gloves, safety glasses, a dust mask and protective
clothing when working with insulating materials.
5. Fix the first row of ceiling panels
Screw the first ceiling panel to the left side against the wall, using 25 mm
plasterboard screws with a spacing between screws of 20 cm. Allow an 8
mm expansion gap between the panel and the wall. This gap is later
covered with a finishing strip. Fit the next ceiling panel with the short side
against the short side of the first panel, followed by the long side.
6. Cutting panels to length
At the end of the row, measure the required length and mark this off on a
new panel. Use the remaining part of the panel to start the next row. If you
start each row with a panel of the same length you will have a regular
7. appearance of the finished ceiling. To cut a panel to length, score it on the
visible surface with a hobby knife and then break it off using a wooden strip
or plank for support. You can then cut through the cardboard backing.
7. Finishing the joints
If you want to finish the joints between the ceiling panels, make sure they
are clean and dust free. Then fill the gaps with grouting paste and a putty
knife. After drying for 24 hours, apply a second layer if necessary and sand
smooth after drying. To prevent later cracking of the joints, you can use
flexible mesh fixed in place with the grouting paste
8. Edging profile
To finish the outer edges of the false ceiling neatly, fix the finishing strips in
place with construction adhesive. Put a few spots of adhesive on the
finishing strip, press it into place, remove it again immediately, and after
waiting for 5 minutes tap it firmly into place. For a neat finish in the corners
you can cut the ends of the finishing strips at 45°.