WHAT IS GYPSUM CEILING?
Modern homes are incomplete unless they have a false ceiling that makes its presence felt. Gone are the days when people preferred bland roofs as the default way to go. The present generation is more inclined towards using it creatively to augment the aesthetic value of their dwelling.
However, that is not the only reason why a false ceiling is used. It also helps conceal wirings, such as AC ducting and electrical wiring, as well as provide insulation against heat and noise.
Since the inception of the idea of having an additional layer to cover the blemishes for several of the aforementioned advantages, Plaster of Paris (PoP) has been the way to go. Still, the idea of using a gypsum plasterboard is covering ground at a rapid pace.
This article discusses gypsum ceilings, their installation process, and their advantages.
MEANING OF GYPSUM CEILING
Also known as plasterboards or drywall, gypsum plasterboards are prefabricated, ready-to-install calcium sulfate boards used for false ceilings. These come in different thicknesses and sizes, such as 9, 12, and 15 mm, and 4 x 6 feet, 4 x 8 feet, and 4 x 10 feet, respectively.
STEPS INVOLVED IN THE INSTALLATION OF GYPSUM PLASTERBOARD CEILINGS
Here are the steps involved in the gypsum ceiling installation –
Wall control
The first step is to determine the position and safety of the cladding wall. Fix the U profiles by marking them with a pencil. You can then use a plumb and draw the same on the ceiling.
Metal profiles preparation
The next step is to use a measuring tape to determine the length of the cladding wall. Once you do it, choose the U profiles and the C profiles. Ensure that you cut the C profiles 1 cm or so short compared to your ceiling height to ensure easy installation.
Fixing the U profiles
Use a mix of metal accessories, such as dowels, screws, and washers with a drill, to mount the U profile to the floor and ceiling.
Staples fixing
The next step is to select the appropriate staples by calculating the distance between the cladding and the building wall.
Installation work and insulating
You can use an access panel system to manage the electrical wiring and plumbing. Make sure that you do the wires before you place the panel.
Screwing the plasterboard
Use a drill or hammer to fix the gypsum board to the U and C profiles along the edges. Keep in mind that the screw gap is within 30 cm, and place the screw carefully to ensure that the board holds its shape.
Finishing touch
Once everything is in place, you will need multiple layers of jointing compounds and up to 24 hours for the gypsum ceiling to set. After that, it is time to bring your aesthetics game into play.
BENEFITS OF USING GYPSUM PLASTERBOARD FOR CEILINGS
Here are the benefits that the gypsum ceiling has to offer –
Flexible
We inherently know gypsum plasterboards to be soft. Its usage enables you to create aesthetic ceilings for your house without worrying about incurring massive expenses for the same.
Thermal insulation
The presence of chemically combined water in the non-combustible core of the gypsum plasterboard gives them high resistance to heat, hindering heat transmission. It allows your room to be cooler for a longer span.
Fire resistance
The gypsum ceiling comprises multiple layers that are closely knit with each other. It allows the board to resist fire for up to 4 hours.
Sound insulation
The acoustic designs of the gypsum ceilings help it in being excellent in insulating it against sound. It means you can now communicate without worrying about someone in the other room being able to hear your conversations.
Easy to install
Since the gypsum ceiling is ready made, it requires no water and produces less dust during the installation process. Also, it takes around a day to set, unlike other materials that can take up to 7 days or more.
DRAWBACKS
- These are non-repairable in most cases.
- Unless you buy water-resistant variants, the default version of the gypsum plasterboard is not great at managing moisture conditions.
- The regular gypsum ceiling is prone to develop cracks quickly. So you need to be careful when selecting them. It is, therefore, advisable to buy these from a reputed organisation that expertises in gypsum plasterboards.
GYPSUM CEILING IS FAST GAINING TRACTION
Today, most modern houses prefer gypsum ceilings and have maintained a safe distance from other materials. These offer some inherent benefits in terms of fit and flexibility that make them an apt choice. Many people also use fibreglass or paper to cover it and make it look more aesthetic.
Click here to check our exciting range of gypsum ceiling options.
The article is a part of our series “What is gypsum board: uses and benefits”