Basement ceiling.
I'm finishing my basement. Before starting, the joists supporting the first
floor were very visible. I want to put in a ceiling in part of the basement and I can use either drywall or a drop ceiling. I understand that if I use drywall I must use 5/8" type for fire resistance purposes. If I install a drop ceiling this will be the kind where the 2' x 2' tiles are supported by plastic extrusions (CeilingMax/GridMax system) which are attached directly to the joists. This gives a drop which is only 1.5" below the joists. I have two questions. 1). If the joists are currently unprotected why is it necessary to use 5/8" drywall for the ceilings in the finished areas? 2). If I use ceiling tiles supported by plastic extrusions, the plastic would melt in a fire. How can the drop ceiling be a satisfactory alternative to a 5/8" drywall ceiling? I prefer the drop ceiling because there are several electrical junction boxes attached to the joists and I assume reasonable access to these should be provided. Peter. |
Basement ceiling.
"PVR" wrote in message 1). If the joists are currently unprotected why is it necessary to use 5/8" drywall for the ceilings in the finished areas? Makes you wonder about that. I'd use 1/2" because it is easier to handle and is still much better that having nothing. Thinner is just too flimsy though, IMO. 2). If I use ceiling tiles supported by plastic extrusions, the plastic would melt in a fire. How can the drop ceiling be a satisfactory alternative to a 5/8" drywall ceiling? Some plastics can take high heat. While it is not banned from use, I doubt it makes a barrier according to fire codes though. I prefer the drop ceiling because there are several electrical junction boxes attached to the joists and I assume reasonable access to these should be provided. Yes, it is against code to put permanent coverings over them. Dropped ceilings make a lot of sense because in the future you may want to add wiring, plumbing, who knows what. |
Basement ceiling.
"PVR" wrote in message ... I'm finishing my basement. Before starting, the joists supporting the first floor were very visible. I want to put in a ceiling in part of the basement and I can use either drywall or a drop ceiling. I understand that if I use drywall I must use 5/8" type for fire resistance purposes. If I install a drop ceiling this will be the kind where the 2' x 2' tiles are supported by plastic extrusions (CeilingMax/GridMax system) which are attached directly to the joists. This gives a drop which is only 1.5" below the joists. I have two questions. 1). If the joists are currently unprotected why is it necessary to use 5/8" drywall for the ceilings in the finished areas? 2). If I use ceiling tiles supported by plastic extrusions, the plastic would melt in a fire. How can the drop ceiling be a satisfactory alternative to a 5/8" drywall ceiling? I prefer the drop ceiling because there are several electrical junction boxes attached to the joists and I assume reasonable access to these should be provided. Peter. Does your local ordinances specifically state you must use 5/8" ? Few residences require it, more only in multi family (apartments) or commercial buildings. Mind you if you can do it, 5/8" always give a nicer finish, and stops more noise. While I personally like drywall instead of ceiling panels, if you have electrical boxes scattered around it you do have to leave them accessible so the dropped ceiling may be your best bet. Once again fire regulations are different for homes so the plastic strips may be fine. If in doubt, phone your fire department. AMUN |
Basement ceiling.
In article , peterv666
@nospam.adelphia.com (PVR) says... I'm finishing my basement. Before starting, the joists supporting the first floor were very visible. I want to put in a ceiling in part of the basement and I can use either drywall or a drop ceiling. I understand that if I use drywall I must use 5/8" type for fire resistance purposes. If I install a drop ceiling this will be the kind where the 2' x 2' tiles are supported by plastic extrusions (CeilingMax/GridMax system) which are attached directly to the joists. This gives a drop which is only 1.5" below the joists. I have two questions. 1). If the joists are currently unprotected why is it necessary to use 5/8" drywall for the ceilings in the finished areas? I don't understand why a fire separation is necessary. Are you parking cars in the basement? Fire separations between occupancy ratings are required, like in the case of a garage and living quarters. If your local jurisdiction requires a firewall between single family residential stories, perhaps you could let us know what country you are in? In the USA, such a separation is not required, unless each story is a separate dwelling unit, like an apartment. That said, there is 5/8" sheetrock that is not type X. It may be that 1/2" rock is not rigid enough for your application. 2). If I use ceiling tiles supported by plastic extrusions, the plastic would melt in a fire. How can the drop ceiling be a satisfactory alternative to a 5/8" drywall ceiling? There may be drop ceilings that are fire rated, but not with plastic components. I prefer the drop ceiling because there are several electrical junction boxes attached to the joists and I assume reasonable access to these should be provided. Yes. If you use gyp board, you will need to move the junction boxes into the face of the board and install the appropriate cover plates. -- http://home.teleport.com/~larryc |
Basement ceiling.
I hired a contractor to install a drop ceiling in our basement. It is
suspended a few inches below the floor joyce in order to accommodate drop in fluorescent light fixtures. The ceiling consists of metal frame with drop in tiles. |
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