A ceiling is basically an overhanging surface that usually covers the top of a room’s ceiling. Although it is usually not thought of as a structural component, it is an unfinished surface hiding the underside of the ceiling or the underlying floor of an upper story. The weight of the ceiling, combined with its sheer size and the loads it must support, mean that a ceiling may have to be replaced after several years. Also, the weathering of paint or timber from rain and snow means that a ceiling may need replacing every few years. Therefore, one of the most important decisions you can make regarding your home’s ceiling is whether it should be left as it is or should you repair or replace it.
If you have an attic or a loft in your house, you have the added responsibility of maintaining the ceiling and repairing any damaged sections. This also means that you need to inspect the ceiling on a regular basis and if there are any structural elements, you must repair or replace them as soon as possible. For the attic and the loft, you may consider waterproofing the space through a wet suit, a membrane or a spray coating. However, if your ceiling is exposed to the weather, then these methods of protecting it are not always sufficient.
There are three ways in which the ceiling can be protected against the elements: roof sheathing, a sheet or a foam board. The roof sheathing is the most popular method of protection, as it will provide at least some protection against wind loads. On the other hand, the cost of roof sheathing can often be prohibitive and may not be a viable solution for all circumstances. In addition, a roof sheathing system is only effective if there is a roof, and therefore requires the installation of flashing between ceiling joists.
A third option, which may allow you to keep your existing roof in place but prevent damage to the ceiling, is to install a partition. The partition will either be attached to the ceiling or hung from above so that it does not project beyond the height of the ceiling. A partition is very useful in preventing damage to the ceiling and its structural elements; however, installing one requires careful planning. The partition will either be mounted to the ceiling, or suspended from below so that it does not project beyond the height of the ceiling.
A final solution for the prevention of damage to the ceiling and its structural elements is to use an integrated system of cladding and insulation. A dropped ceiling can become very dangerous if the proper precautions are not taken during installation and operation. If there is a drop in the ceiling’s support, the combined weight of all the materials (including the ceiling and any suspended ceiling joists) can cause it to sag or even fall. This can result in a number of issues, including the possibility of a collapse, water damage below the installed ceiling, and injury or death to workers on the ground. The best way to minimise this risk is to install the panels, frames, and other components of the system on beams which are relatively level and parallel to the floor.
The word “ceiling” is derived from Latin and means covering or enclosing ceiling or floor. The etymology of the term has also a difference. In etymology, ceiling means the upper limit of something steep, whereas in modern use, ceiling means the floor or “ceiling.” In technical terms, ceiling and floor mean same as floor over soil whereas floor over a bed and ceiling over flat or skylight is referred to as “ceiling-over-bed” or “ceiling-over-skylight.”