Do I have to do it myself?
If you are building or renovating, you will require the services of a ceiling contractor. Commercial ceiling contractors install ceilings for businesses, schools, churches, and hospitals. They use techniques such as suspended and acoustic ceilings, which are particularly designed to carry air-conditioning and power ducts between floors. Domestic contractors will assist you in building the ceiling and walls in your own home, or work for a builder to build your home for you.
Ceilings trade’s people will apply plasterboard directly to timber or metal framing using a combination of nails or screws and stud adhesive. Ceiling finishes are only limited by your imagination. Contractors will work with you, your builder, or architect to develop the ceilings and walls style work, for example, arches, corbels or roses.
Plasterwork for an average 14 -15 square meter home will normally take 4 days. This includes 3 days to hang the plasterboard and flush the joints and time for the plaster to dry, depending on weather conditions. Then another day to add the required finishing’s, sand off the joints and prepare the plaster to be painted or wallpapered.
A reputable contractor will inspect the job before they leave your premises and will provide you with after-sales maintenance or repairs. This may be necessary if the ceiling or walls plasterwork cracks, due to the natural movement of the house or if the timber the plaster is attached to dries out. Plasterers or ceiling contractors will only provide you with a verbal guarantee for their work. If the contractor is working for a builder then the warranty will come from the builder. If you are an owner-builder building your own home, and contract a tradesperson to install your ceiling, you will take on the warranty.
What are my options
The type of ceiling used in your building work will depend if it is for commercial or domestic purposes. Commercial ceilings are typically suspended or acoustic. Suspended ceilings are installed by suspending plaster on metal battens. This type of ceiling is primarily used in the building of multi-storey office blocks, allowing space for ducts to carry air-conditioning and power between floors.
Acoustic ceilings are found in schools or churches. As the name suggests, this type of ceiling helps determine how sound is heard within the building. Perforated plasterboard is used in this situation...it contains a series of holes, so that noise is ‘ducted’ from the area but at the same time contained in the room.
Ceilings for residential purposes are installed by applying plasterboard directly to timber or metal framing, using a combination of nails or screws and stud adhesive. Plasterboard comes prefabricated in a length range from 2.4 meters to 6 meters. It is then cut on-site by the ceiling contractor, depending on the job at hand. Once the plasterboard is hung, the joints flushed and the plaster dried, it’s time to add the finishing’s.
Ceiling finishes are only limited by your imagination, from the plain scotia cornice to patterned fibrous cornices, corbels, or panels. The installation of ceilings is a standardized procedure, and Australian standards are in place to cover all applications of plasterboard. Ask a ceiling contractor for advice on the best type of ceiling and style work to suit your needs.
Choosing a Contractor - What to know
It is important to choose a skilled and reputable contractor to ensure the finished job meets your expectations. Think first about the job you would like done and the type of finish required. Contact three potential contractors and ask if they have experience in your particular requirements.
Ceiling contractors are not required to hold a license so find out if they are a member of an industry association.
- Ask for a list of recently completed jobs so that you can inspect their work.
- Talk to the homeowner or builder to confirm their satisfaction with the ceiling contractor and the completed job.
- Arrange a suitable time to meet at your site and discuss the most practical options to suit your particular project.
- Invite each of the contractors to provide a written quote, so you can evaluate their estimates fairly.
- The quote should be itemized and include what materials are to be used and the finishes to be expected. Be wary of a contractor quoting a higher rate that differs from the original project specification you gave them.
- Choose a contractor that is experienced, that you feel comfortable with, comes recommended, and who offers to explain the quote thoroughly with you.
Decorating the Ceiling
Ceiling contractors are plaster sculptors. Ceiling finishes are only limited by your imagination, and there are moulds available for all different types of ornamental work. Before sanding off the joints and preparing the plaster to be painted or wallpapered, your ceiling contractor can add a range of style work. The plain scotia cornice is the skirting board type look connecting the ceiling and the wall. Perhaps your house is from a particular time-period, say Victorian or Edwardian. Why not add a fancy fibrous cornice or corbel? You can choose from a range of ornamental roses too.
Ceiling panels may not be as intricate but suit the Art Deco style. Contractors can also fashion wall decorations for you, such as archways and vents. Archways are a fashionable alternative to doors between areas such as the lounge room and dining room. Again, arch moldings are available in many different shapes and sizes to suit your requirements.
Once the contractor has added the style work, it’s time for you to add the decorative finish. Such finishes can include emulsion or oil based paints, stipples, enamels, textured coatings and wallpapers. All are applied directly to the plasterboard. Matte finishes often give the best appearance... gloss or sheen finishes tend to highlight any surface problems, as will harsh or glancing light. Use the roller application for paint and use only the best quality paints and other finishes. Your ceiling contractor will be able to advise you on the range of style work available and the best way to finish your ceilings and walls.
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