Plaster is an ideal material for ornamental motifs.
Ceilings cover roof or floor frames and hide heating ducts, plumbing and other structures. In office buildings or auditoriums, special ceiling materials improve sound quality and prevent interference from outside noise. Ceiling panels usually attach to wood or metal joists or furring strips, or to suspended metal grids. During construction, builders lay fiberglass insulation sheets over the ceiling to help maintain even temperatures in the building. Each type of ceiling building material has special installation requirements.
Acoustic Tiles
Acoustic tiles are made of fiberboard, which contains wood fibers and chemical fillers. This material, which is softer than other ceiling materials, prevents echoing and minimizes noise transmission from outside. According to Ace Hardware, acoustical tiles absorb up to 70 percent of the unwanted noise in a room. These soft, light tiles break or tear easily if you cut them with a knife that is not adequately sharpened. Builders use glue or staples to attach the tiles to furring strips or a suspended metal grid.
Drywall
Also known as gypsum wallboard, drywall is a common ceiling building material. Builders use drywall screws or nails to attach drywall panels to ceiling joists, and apply tape and drywall compound to the joints between the panels. If the drywall is nailed to the joists, drywall compound can fill in the indentation near the nail. Home Tips notes that building codes usually require 8-inch spaces between the screws or nails.
Plaster
Plaster is a durable, versatile ceiling material that consists of gypsum, lime, sand and water. According to Home Tips, the original plaster remains on the 4,000-year-old Egyptian pyramids. Builders usually apply the base coat of plaster to thin strips of wood known as lath. A second thick layer and a third top coat add durability and finish to the ceiling. You can add color pigments to wet plaster before application, and you can sculpt or mold plaster into decorative patterns.
Stamped Metal
Metal ceiling panels are made of steel or tin-plated steel and have stamped ornamental patterns. The panels attach to wood or metal furring strips in the ceiling. Ask the Builder states that metal panels often have an oil coating from the factory; before you paint the panels, you will need to apply an oil-based primer. To prevent rust from plumbing leaks or other water exposure, paint both sides of the metal panels before attaching them to the furring strips.
Wood
Vaulted or cathedral wood ceilings add height and beauty to a room. Tongue and groove wood panels interlock and attach to ceiling joists with hidden nails that penetrate the tongue at a 45-degree angle. Ask the Builder recommends staining the wood panels before you attach them to the ceiling, so that seasonal movements do not expose bare wood. You can fill in uneven spots and imperfections with wood putty.
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