6.       Will the inclusion of recessed lighting fittings  affect its fire resistance?

Have the lighting fittings have been successfully tested, or assessed (by a recognised expert), in conjunction with the proposed ceiling?
If they have not, you should speak to the relevant building control and/or fire authority and obtain approval before commencing the ceiling installation. You cannot rely on unauthorised methods, such as overlaying or surrounding the lighting fittings with ‘fire blankets’, mineral wool pads or offcuts from the ceiling tiles, to assume that the ceiling’s fire resistance will not be compromised.

How to Install Drop Ceilings

A few grids, some ceiling panels, a few wires and some elbow grease is all it takes to install drop ceilings.

  If you still have questions, then read on… I feel every person has dormant creativity residing in him/her and sometimes it only takes a simple incident to bring out that spark! I begin this article with the above line because I feel that home improvements and decorations that are done by the people who inhabit the house reveal their identity. So go ahead and learn the process of installing drop ceilings. A drop ceiling – What is it? This ceiling is composed of a metal grid and ceiling panels that are placed in that grid. They are often composed of translucent materials that cause an overall glow from the ceiling. The sizes of the drop ceiling panels vary.

The most common size that is available is 2 feet by 4 feet. Light fixtures can also be covered using drop ceilings. Today there are drop-ceiling tiles available too. These tiles come in many textures and colors, ensuring that you have a ceiling treatment that matches your dcor. Benefits of Drop Ceilings Drop ceilings are a good choice of ceiling treatment for many reasons; some of them have been listed below.

• Efficient and Cost-Effective Drop ceilings can be used in a basement or laundry room because they are more practical. The reason for this is that drop ceilings do not consist of much construction and the materials that are used are economical.
• Provide Sound Control These ceilings score above concrete ceilings because of the property of being able to soak up residual noise. Drop ceilings have this feature because they are made up of fibers, which are terrific acoustical absorbers.
• Provide Cover-up For Faults Despite the fact that drop ceilings are used to conceal unsightly pipes and electrical wiring, they do allow easy access to the equipment too. To reach the equipment all you need to do is lift the panel provided.
• Provide Leveling A drop ceiling can be used to correct any leveling problems. This is possible as the metal grids can easily be adjusted to different heights as they are installed.

How to Install Drop Ceilings Here are the steps that will help you install a drop ceiling:

• First of all it is important to decide on the style of the drop ceiling that you would like to use. Once you have done that decide on how many drop ceiling panels you will require.

Now center the panels within the room ensuring that the perimeter panels are of equal size as possible.

• After the above process, it is important that you figure out how to install the drop ceiling. Remember that the minimum ceiling height that is required is 7 feet 6 inches. Also note that the drop ceiling needs to be installed at least 5 inches below any lights and three inches below any plumbing.
• Once the above process is over, install your drop ceiling perpendicular to the joints; to do this you can follow the manufactures instructions. The common process that is followed for installation usually requires eyehooks to the joists and a wire that is used to hang if from the ceiling. While installing the ceiling, ensure that you are using the recommended type of hardware and wire.
• Use tin snips to cut long pieces of wire and then make sure that all intersections in the grid are carefully secured. You can use a level to ensure that the drop ceiling is not being installed at an angle.
• Place the panels into place after the installation of the grid. To fit the space, cut the perimeter panels into place (note that the actual panels are a little larger then the hole in the grid).

Tips

• All you need to do to ensure that the panels are equal in size and the number of panels you have calculated are right, draw a diagram of your ceiling on graph paper. While doing do remember to use a box to equal one square foot. When that is complete, draw the panel system onto your diagram.
• You would be required to keep a saw handy to cut other panels apart from soft, absorbent and drywall panels.
• If you are unable to procure the proper equipment or cannot cut it yourself, you could take the panels to the nearest home improvement store. Most of them will cut it for free.

I would like to end by informing you that there are times when installing a drop ceiling becomes difficult because of awkward angels and the use of ladders. It is advisable to call a professional if you are uncomfortable with the task. Noise Insulate Home Rooms And Avoid Irritating The Neighbours Grab important ideas in the topic of how to install suspended ceiling – welcome to your individual knowledge pack. Related How-To Articles: Fundamentals: Home Addition: How To Efficiently Install Ceiling Medallions … Adding a ceiling medallion is the easiest thing you can do to change the look and feel of any room in your home.

By Rachna Gupta Published: 11/30/2007

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