CEILINGS
A. GYPSUM BOARD
• Gypsum core sandwiched between special paper materials.
• Standard size - 2.40 m x 1.20 m
• Common thickness for ceiling applications - 9 mm to 12 mm
• Gypsum Screw, used to fasten board to metal or wooden frame.
• Laminated & Acoustic type gypsum boards are some of the most common with designs.
• Other materials used: gypsum screws, T-runners for acoustic ceilings.
PROS:
1. Workability - easy to cut using cutter and installation is by screws only.
2. Fire resistant - okay to use on kitchen and laboratory rooms.
3. Termite resistant - compared to wood materials.
CONS:
1. Less durable – to impact damage, compared to other materials.
2. Not water and weather resistant - not advised for outdoor use.
B. FIBER CEMENT BOARD
• Also known Ficem Board or Hardiflex, although Hardiflex is a brand name.
• Made of cement, sand and cellulose fibers.
• Standard size - 2.40 m x 1.20 m
• Common thickness for ceiling applications – 3.5 mm to 4.5 mm
• Other materials used: screws or blind rivets, mesh or joint tapes, body fillers, skim coat, finishing
paints.
PROS:
1. Availability – commonly available even from smaller hardware stores.
2. More durable – may be used with curved ceiling details.
3. Water and weather resistant – has very low water absorption rate.
CONS:
1. Poor heat insulation – insulation or vent in ceiling is advisable.
2. Longer finishing works – compared to other materials, finishing and paint may be needed.
C. PVC PANELS
• PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is made of plastic.
• Common sizes – 1.2 m to 4.0 m length x 0.1m, 0.2 or 0.4 m width.
PROS:
1. Ease of installation – with grooves for easy installation.
2. Done finishing – no finishing is required, comes with different design including wood finishes
and solid colored finishes.
3. Water and weather resistant – due to its plastic material.
CONS:
1. Less available – usually available from large commercial home depots.
2. Expensive – per sqm compared to other board materials, even if ficem board is painted.
3. Not fire resistant – easily deforms due to heat, not suitable for kitchen areas.
4. Plastic material – may not be acceptable to some buyers.
D. METAL SPANDREL
• Usually comes with ribs for wooden design aesthetic and perforations for ventilation.
• Usually used on roof overhangs, not common on indoor applications except for commercial.
• Common sizes – 3.0 m to 4.0 m length x 0.1 m, 0.15 m width.
PROS:
1. Ease of installation – with grooves for easy installation.
2. Done finishing – no finishing is required, comes with different design including wood finishes
and solid color finishes.
3. Termite resistant – due to material.
4. Fire resistant – due to material.
5. Weather resistant – may be used outdoors.
CONS:
1. Corrosion – due to material, especially once coating is damaged.
2. Poor heat insulation – not typical for inside installation
3. Metallic appearance – may not be acceptable to other buyers.
