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What is a ceiling in construction?

 the overhead surface or surfaces covering a

room, and the underside of a floor or a roof.
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What is a ceiling?

 " A part of a building which encloses and

is exposed overhead in a room,
protected shaft or circulation space."
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What is the main purpose of ceiling?

 Ceilings help create enclosure of and separation

between spaces, they help to control the diffusion of
light and sound around a room, and help prevent the
passage of sound between rooms.
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 The ceiling of a building form one of the most

important structural elements it terms of functionality
as well as creativity which in turn bring good
aesthetics to the building interior.

 It helps us to create an enclosure and separation

between spaces.
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 Ceiling provides perfect lighting in the room by

controlling diffusion of light. It also controls the
sound around a room by making the room sound
proof. It, therefore, stops the passage of sound
between the rooms.
 ceiling also possesses fire resistant properties that
would facilitate accommodation of building services
such as vents, lighting, sprinkler heads etc
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 If we have any other services like ducts, pipes,

and wiring that are messed up together, that they
don't give a good appearance, it can be
concealed by means of ceiling covering.
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Types of Ceiling used in Building
Construction

 • Exposed Ceilings

 • Tightly attached ceiling

 • Interstitial ceilings

 • Acoustical Ceilings

 • Radiant Chilled Ceilings

 • Convective Chilled Ceilings

 • Suspended Ceilings
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1. Exposed Ceilings

 this kind of ceiling arrangement would completely expose

the structural and mechanical components of the building
thus omitting a concept of finished ceiling. This
arrangement lacks a discomfort in aesthetics but gains
many advantages like the economy, easy maintenance
due to ease of access. This also enables the thermal mass
of the building to be exposed. Further, the above-
mentioned exposed thermal mass can be exploited by
installing heating or cooling elements like chilled beams
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. Exposed ceiling example in the interior of an office
room
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 The disadvantage mentioned before of looks can

vanish if we design , install roof structures and floor
structures properly , leaving it exposed in the space
below by means of timber beams or concrete slabs or
space trusses.

 It's true that the mechanical element arrangement at

ceiling level in a well systematic manner would create
an attractive aesthetic effect.
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2. Tightly Attached Ceiling

 What is an attached ceiling?

 Tightly-attached ceilings are not common, but some residential

and commercial buildings have them. They consist of tongued
and grooved timber, plasterboard, or gypsum, that has been
attached tightly to concrete slabs, steel joists, rafters, or
timber joists
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Tightly Attached Ceiling
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3. Interstitial ceilings

 An interstitial space is defined as an intermediate space

kept between regular-use floors. It is commonly located in
hospitals and laboratory-type buildings to allow space for
the mechanical systems of the building.

 Laboratory and hospital rooms are easily rearranged

throughout their lifecycles and therefore reduce lifecycle
cost. This ensures more flexibility in the interiors of the
building rooms.

 They include a walkway for access with a low height.

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Mainly employed in buildings that have the following units:

 Electrical and communications wiring

 Air-conditioning ducts

 Oxygen

 Chilled water

 Vacuum pipe work

 Chemical sewer pipe work

 Water and waste pipework

 Fuel gas lines

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A picture depicting interstitial space
arrangement
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A Real Example of Interstitial Ceiling
Space Arrangement
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 The ducts and pipe work occupy some space, which

often requires continual maintenance and are subject
to frequent change.

 The main advantage of interstitial ceilings is that they

allow for maintenance and updating work, without
interruption of activities in the spaces above and
below.
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Acoustical Ceilings

 This ceiling is mainly implemented to control sound

reverberation in a hall where there is the possibility of large
sound propagation to make the hearing comfort zone.

 The acoustic ceiling material is made from fibrous

materials that would absorb sound energy unlike other
materials like plaster or gypsum ceilings.

 These materials do not reduce transmission of sound

between the spaces. They result in a reduction in the
amount of sound that reflects into space. Hence it can be
used to bring the modify acoustic character of space.
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A Real Example of Acoustical Ceiling
Arrangement
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 The performance of the ceiling material in terms of sound

absorption can be expressed in terms of noise reduction
coefficient (NRC).

 An NRC of 0.85 means that a ceiling material absorbs

85% o the sound that reaches it, and an almost 15%
reflects back to the room. Most of the acoustical ceilings
NRC range from 0.5 to 0.9.

 This value is found to be 0.10 for plaster and gypsum

ceiling board materials.
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5. Radiant Chilled Ceilings

 Radiant chilled ceilings include a network of chilled water coils in

ceiling panels with insulation above. For some systems, pipework
may be incorporated into plaster board. But this is found less
efficient as plaster is an insulator.

 The ceiling surface then cools the occupied space by both

radiation and convection, providing temperatures throughout the
space and avoids draught.

 The space requirement for chilled ceilings is found to be less,

which may be installed with a depth of just 100mm. For some, a
small-bore cooling coils can be embedded in plaster ceiling.
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6. Convective Chilled Ceilings

 These types of ceilings are a deviation from radiant

chilled ceilings, in which the network of chilled water
pipes incorporates fins, increasing the proportion of
cooling that is provided by convection.
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7. Suspended Ceilings

 These are secondary ceilings suspended from the structure above

(typically a floor or roof slab), creating a void between the underside of
the slab and the top of the suspended ceiling.

 This void can provide a useful space for the sprinklers, distribution of
heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) services and
plumbing and wiring services.

 This also provides a display place for the installation of speakers, and
smoke detectors, motion detectors, light fittings, wireless, antenna,
CCTV, fire and so on. It provides an air ‘plenum’, in which the void
itself forms a pressurized ‘duct’ to supply air to or extract it from the
taken space below.
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Suspended Ceilings
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 This is the one that contributes to fire-resistance in commercial

and residential construction. In the case of a dropped ceiling
(the other name of suspended ceiling), the rating is achieved by
the entire system, which includes:

 • · the structure above, from which the ceilings is

suspended. This can be a concrete floor or a timber floor

 • the suspension mechanism

 • the lowest membrane or dropped ceiling.

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 Between the structure that the dropped ceiling is suspended from

and the dropped membrane, there is frequently some room for
mechanical and electrical piping, wiring and ducting to be
incorporated.

 An independent ceiling can be constructed which has a separate

fire-resistance. Such systems must be checked without the
benefit of being suspended from a slab above so that it can hold
itself up.

 This type of ceiling would be installed to protect items above from

fire.
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Types of Ceiling Materials You Should Know

 1. Drywall
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1. Drywall

 Drywall, also called sheetrock, gypsum board, and wallboard, is

a popular wall material. Builders nail the large panels to the wall
studs, then apply tape and drywall mud to the seams. Once they
sand the seams smooth, they can paint or wallpaper over the
drywall.

 Many homes have drywall ceilings, too. You can paint a drywall
ceiling or apply a texture or other materials. Drywall is one of the
most convenient and cost-effective ceiling materials.
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 The material also helps absorb sound and keep external sounds out. Drywall
consists of gypsum, a soft mineral found in rock, between two layers of thick paper.

 Gypsum makes up other types of ceiling material because it’s plentiful and
inexpensive compared to many other options. Drywall works best on flat ceilings or
those with flat areas, like a vaulted ceiling with straight sides.

 The panels are rigid enough that you can’t use them on curved or textured ceilings.
A 4×8 sheet of drywall weighs 70 pounds. You can find brands advertised as light
or ultra-light that weigh 44 pounds.

 You’ll need two people to install even the lightest panels without the specialized
equipment. Drywall is one of the ceiling materials you should avoid in wet rooms
unless you choose a more expensive moisture-resistant green board or purple
drywall.
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2. Cement Board

 Cement board consists of a cement layer inside and fiberglass

outside with a look close to drywall. These panels install like
drywall, but they’re much more water-resistant.

 You can use cement board as a wall or ceiling material, though

it’s about two to three times more expensive than drywall.
Cement board is one of the best ceiling materials for bathrooms
or showers because of its water resistance.

 Cement board is called backer board and makes a flat base for
laying tile. The board won’t warp or get soft like drywall if it gets
damp. On a shower ceiling, you can use cement board and tile
directly on top of it.
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3. Plaster of Paris

 Plaster of Paris is a wet mixture that contains gypsum mixed

with limestone or other materials that you trowel on and allow to
dry. The compound comes as a dry powder that you mix with
water when you’re ready to apply it.

 The plaster requires several coats and specialized application

techniques. The plaster dries hard and provides a sturdy ceiling
ready for painting. Many homes have plaster of Paris on the
walls and ceiling.
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 Many plaster elements decorate moldings and ceilings of older homes,

and this look is still favored today. Plaster of Paris is one of the most
durable ceiling materials as long as it stays dry. This material isn’t
suitable for a moist environment.

 Many older homes have walls and ceilings made from plaster over
narrow strips of wood or lath. In modern homes, plaster of Paris is
troweled directly onto drywall or other materials.

 False ceilings finished with plaster of Paris involve a wire mesh and
metal frame for the plaster of Paris application. Plaster of Paris is one
of the ceiling materials that work well to create ceilings with designs
because you can spread it over curves and angles.
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4. Wood

 Wood is one of the ceiling materials that’s easy to install and a

good choice to bring warmth and a rustic feel to a room. You can
choose from multiple shades and wood patterns and opt for
acoustic panels made from wood designed to absorb sound and
enhance the acoustics of a room.

 Wood panels or even wooden planks are a classic material in

homes and a good choice if you don’t want sculpted ceilings or
a painted surface. You can buy wood to fit curves, angles, and
design elements, but this is an expensive option.
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 Wood materials work best on a flat ceiling or a false or drop-

ceiling framework. Wood ceilings not necessarily meant to shine
on their own can be painted or whitewashed to add to the
room’s décor. You don’t have to have a ceiling that looks like
your wooden dining room floor, either.

 Panels or slats can be arranged with crossbeams to create

patterns and draw the eye. Tongue-and-groove wood panels
have straightforward installation, but you can use almost any
wood material to create a look you’ll love.
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5. Metal

 Ceiling tiles and planks in metal are a stylish choice for a

room. Most metal ceiling materials are tin, but you can also
cover your ceiling in aluminum, steel, copper, and brass. These
and any tiles or planks need a flat surface for installation,

 Metal ceiling materials are thin and lightweight and offer a high-
impact appearance. Tin ceilings in the 19th century were a less
expensive way to achieve the look of a crafted plaster ceiling.

 Many tin ceilings were highly ornamental while also providing a

fire barrier to the room. Most metal ceiling materials come with
ornate designs and range from one shade to hand-painted.
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6. Fiberglass

 Fiberglass ceilings appear most often in drop ceilings in

commercial buildings, but some people choose to install these
ceilings in their homes.

 A fiberglass ceiling can be a cost-effective and easy-to-install

solution when the function is more important than the
design. Pressed glass fibers and polymers form the tiles.

 Fiberglass tiles pressed into shapes and patterns can help a

fiberglass drop ceiling look less institutional while saving you
money on ceiling materials.
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7. Mineral Fiber

 Tiles made from mineral wood and recycled newspapers or wood

pulp emulate a high-end look. If left white, they look like plaster of
Paris. You can also paint them any color and make them look like
stamped metal tiles.

 Mineral fiber ceilings absorb sound better than metal and come in
many shapes and styles.

 You should be able to find one that works in your home. Mineral
fiber panels, like fiberglass, make up many office building
ceilings. Tiles for residential use are more ornate and designed
for décor instead of merely function.
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8. PVC

 Plastic ceilings cost less than many other materials, are lightweight, and are
easy to install on a flat surface. You can find PVC tiles made to look like
ornate brass with a patina or sculpted plaster of Paris.

 PVC tiles also come in sleek designs that don’t try to disguise the plastic.
You can choose interlocking panels instead of decorative tile for a more
modern look. You’ll lose the sound-absorbing properties of most other
materials with a plastic ceiling.

 But if the room has plenty of wood or fabric, those materials will make up the
difference. PVC is a good choice for damp rooms because plastic resists
moisture, mold, and mildew. PVC materials come with some controversy,
so do your research before you opt for PVC tiles.
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9. Glass

 A glass ceiling makes a room feel more expansive and brings

nature inside in a way not even houseplants can do. If you want
a constant view of the outside, you might enjoy this option.

 Sunrooms, enclosed porches, and small rooms work best for

glass ceilings, though glass can work almost anywhere. The
room will be more expensive to heat and cool because you lose
any insulation you’d have above more standard ceiling
materials.
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10. Cloth

 A formal room is a suitable place for a draped cloth ceiling.

Fabric is a good choice if you want the ceiling to become a
centerpiece and make a dramatic statement. The fabric
also covers flaws and irregularities in an existing ceiling.

 Any color or texture is possible when you use fabric, though

you’ll want to choose something lightweight.

 A draped cloth ceiling takes a large volume of fabric to

achieve. You’ll want to consult with someone experienced with
fabric ceilings to calculate the proper yardage and get the look
right.
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Ceiling components
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