False ceiling is constructed below the roof to control temperature, install lights, and conceal wiring. It has suspended supports and components like panels, grids, and moldings. False ceilings come in various materials like gypsum, plaster of Paris, fiber, wood, glass, and metal. Gypsum and plaster of Paris ceilings are lightweight and insulated while fiber ceilings are inexpensive and easy to install. False ceilings provide benefits like a smooth surface, fire protection, and hiding of building elements, but can trap pests and reduce ceiling height.

2. False Ceiling
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.
False ceiling is an example of modern
construction and architecture in both
residential and commercial applications.

3. Components or
Parts of False
Ceiling:
The following figure shows
the various components of a
false ceiling:

4. 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

5. Gypsum False Ceiling
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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. Wooden false ceiling has
many disadvantages,
majorly which are:
•Prone to thermite attack.
•Prone to warping.
•The room should be thermally
controlled.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.
•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.

14. 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.

15. BY
Sadaf Siddiqui (16AR26)
Umair Ahmed (16AR05)
AIKTC, School of Architecture.