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.

"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.

"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

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

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.