Part 2: Creating Impressive Ceilings

A concrete ceiling entails different forms of paint while the wooden ceiling requires wooden beams and iron for support. For the suspended ceiling, metal tiles are better because of their fire resistance and ability to incorporate style to ceilings with a shiny finish. In case there is a lot of electrical connection, fibreglass is the ideal material for the suspended ceiling. However, panels are better than drop tiles in a way that they can cover a wider surface area with a single unit tile and is easily replaceable.

Ceiling tips

Ceiling enhancement
Light reflection: Ms Rutiba says a ceiling with depth and lighting from a chandelier automatically attracts other people. Therefore, it is important for one to select an appropriate chandelier when finishing the ceiling because this creates a good ambience.
Colour selection: White is the commonest colour because of its simplicity and ability to blend with bold colours. In addition to boosting the supposed lighting in a room, it makes the ceiling appear higher, especially if the room receives natural light. However, one can balance the white colour with different objects depending on the room purpose lest it appears imbalanced.
Design detail: A plain ceiling may be too boring for a home finish and will definitely require some integrated patterns to accentuate it.

Construction process
Again, this depends on the type that one is yet to install. Acquire rental equipment: For the concrete ceiling, Ms Buhenzire says one should use rented equipment because of the big and bulky panels, requiring another’s help or the use of a rented drywall jack. The cable mechanism on drywall jacks is not difficult to operate, and jacks do an excellent job of holding the drywall in a secure, flat position, enabling one to easily attach it to the ceiling. Determine the tools needed: These include; a hammer, a drill with a screwdriver bit and nails or screws for concrete. Prior to this, one should measure the ceiling twice and purchase adequate concrete.

Mark joists first
Find the boards – usually 2×4s or 2×6s – that function as ceiling joists by tapping along the wall studs with a hammer and following up the wall to the ceiling. As part of learning how to build a drywall ceiling, mark where these boards are located with a pencil.

Maintenance tips
Ms Buhenzire says keeping ceilings in shape highly depends on their types and if not well maintained, they can become a health hazard.
* Regular cleaning. Just like any other household equipment, a ceiling should be kept clean. This can be done by removing cobwebs, vacuuming, or even a wet sweeper for dirty painted ceilings.
* Re-paint the grid system in case it starts fading or cover it with grid capping in case the paint is rusted. “Grid capping is made of a durable vinyl. White is easy to clean, never rusts or peels and is easily installed,” Ms Buhenzire says.
* Protect the ceiling support system from any hazardous pitfalls. Ms Rutiba says one should keep fire-fighting equipment in the building, especially if the material used is highly inflammable. Also, protect it from leaks.
* “Patches of water should be addressed immediately lest the entire ceiling collapses,” Ms Rutiba cautions.
* Always enhance the look. She adds that in case of a plastered ceiling, it should be re-painted as soon as it starts fading to regain its beauty.
* Resurface acoustical tiles instead of painting.

Best ceilings
According to Mr Bbumba, concrete ceilings are durable and easily maintained in terms of re-painting unlike the timber which only needs furnishing but is more costly. “They all have their different outstanding purposes that highly depend on the location,” Ms Buhenzire says. She adds that it in some places, a specific type is built to suit the weather. Quality-wise, she is inclined towards the stretched PVC ceiling because it is made of PVC film, which is fire-proof and doesn’t crack. It is also flexible in colour and shape and is easy to install. Additionally, it hides construction defects and can withstand up to 100 litres of water without leaking.

The Price
Mr Kasole says prices of different materials vary depending on quality and quantity.
* Expanded metal (6×2) – Shs23000
* Expanded metal (8×2) – Shs33,000
* Soft boards – Shs26,000
* Hima cement – Shs24,500
* Gypsum (8×4) – Shs64,000
* Tororo cement- Shs24,000

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