Chapter 24Finish Ceilings & Floors

‘Interior’ Ceiling @ the Venetian Hotel (Las Vegas)

Functions of Finish Ceilings

Visual - color, texture, pattern, shape

Control diffusion of: light sound

Conceal MPE Accommodate: lights, diffusers, communication, sprinkler…

May assist with fire resistancedistribution / return of HVAC

Types of Ceilings

Exposed Structural & MPE

Tightly Attached

Suspended

Interstitial

Exposed

Exposed Structure & MPEIndustrial, warehouse, …

Economy & ease of maintenance

Timber, trusses, etc. Often for appearance

Flat Plate, PC plank (HC)Painted - hotels & apartmentsMinimal MPE services in ceilingEconomy and reduces story height

Exposed Structure Ceiling“Joint” Preparation for Sprayed on Textured Ceiling

Textured Ceiling

Exposed Timber & MPE Services @ a Ski Lodge

Tightly Attached

Attached directly to joists or slabs

Special arrangements / accommodations for: Structural members (beams, girders)MPE systems

Suspended Ceilings

Suspended from the StructureGenerally by wires

Materials: drywall, plaster, fibrous (acoustic)

Structure

Suspended Ceiling•Drywall•Plaster•Acoustic (incombustible fibers)

SupportWires

Ceiling Plenum space

forducts, pipes, conduit ...

Support System•Metal Framing•Furring Channels•“Metal Grid

Suspended Plaster Ceiling (note the delamination of the finish coat)

Acoustic “Lay-in Panels”

•Exposed Metal Grid•2x2 or 2x4 Lay-in Panels•MPE “sized” to fit grid or cut into the acoustic tile•Economical

Acoustical Ceiling Grid Systems

Main Runners•Provide Main Ceiling Support•Generally 4’ o.c.•Attached to “Hangers”•Additional hangers may be required to support MPE “loads”

Cross Tees•Intermediate Support•“Rest”/ attach to Mains•Spacing depends on tile

“Difficult” to access

Wall Angle•Attaches to wall

Diffuser sized 2x2

“Recessed” Grid(also can be Flush, …)

Ceiling mounted - lights, sprinkler, smoke detector, communication

Multiple Tile Finishes Available

Common Support Grid Profile

Suspended Ceiling used as a

Fire Resistant Membrane

The Integrity of the Fire

Resistant Rating Must be Maintained

at the Ceiling Penetrations

Combination Light/Diffuser

Suspended Acoustic Ceiling with a Gypsum ‘Fire’ Ceiling Above

Interstitial Ceilings

Common with elaborate MPE systemsHospitals & laboratories

Purpose:Accommodate extensive MPE systemsProvide access for maintenance & updating

services

Finish FlooringFunctions & Considerations

Functions:VisualAcousticsLightWearing Surface

ConsiderationsLife / durabilitySkid resistanceSanitationNoiseFire (resistance, combustibility) Other (conductivity,..)

Under-floor Services

Distribution of electrical /communicationsMethodsConduitCellular RacewaysCellular DeckingRaised Flooring

Under-floor Electrical Services Placed in the concrete slab

Reducing Noise Transmission

Use of a Soft materialPadded carpetCushioned resilient flooringResilient underlayment

Selection of surrounding materialDense ceiling material below (plaster, drywall)Mount ceiling on resilient clips or spring

hangers

Skid & Fire Resistance

Skid ResistanceMeasure by its static coefficient of friction (SCOF)Skid resistance – desirable to minimize slipping

Flame ResistanceMost flooring required to meet minimum criteriaExit corridors typically have higher requirements

Hard Flooring Materials

Resistant to:WearMoisture

Noisy -conduct sound

TypesConcrete, stone, brick, tile, terrazzo

Concrete Flooring

AdvantagesLow initial costDurable

Common UsesParking decksWarehousesIndustrial

Exposed Concrete with a pattern & tinting

Stone

TypesMarbleGraniteSlateSandstone, …

InstallationSetting BedGrouted joints

Marble

Granite

Bricks & Brick Pavers

Typically laid on face (but can be laid on edge)

Often with a setting bed

With Grouted Joints Without Grouted Joints

Paver Patterns

Quarry Tile

Fired Clay tilesMultiple shapes/sizesInstallation

Setting Bed (typical) Thin Set Grout Joints

Ceramic Tile

Fired Clay

Often Glazed Finish

Floors & Walls

Multiple sizes & colors, smaller tiles shipped with backing sheets

Reinforced ‘Mesh’ Bridge Cracks in Floor

Laying Ceramic Tile

Applying Adhesive with a Notched Trowel

Spacers Being Installed

Tile Placement

Cutting Tile

Small tile shipped with backing sheet

Decorative Ceramic Tile

Terrazzo

Ground/polished concreteTyp. granite or marble chips w/ colored cementDivider strips

At changes in color/texture, expansion/contraction

Brass Divider Strips

Wood Flooring

Materialswhite & red oak, pecan, maple, pine, ….

TypesWood Strip Flooring - blind nailedSquare edge - fasteners visible (or filled)Parquet

Pre-finished or finished in-place (except parquet)

Blind Nailed Strip Flooring

Multiple Floor Finisheswood, tile, & carpet

Resilient Flooring

Vinyl Composition

Thin (1/8”), rolls or tiles (VCT)Will show substrate irregularities

Multiple colors & patterns

Low cost, moderate durability

Installation - glued

Carpet

Multiple styles, colors, …

Indoor and Outdoor

InstallationGlued directly to substrate, orPad & tackless strip

Glued Carpet abutting Terrazzo

Edge Strip

Sustainability in Floors and Ceilings

Indoor air quality: problems often caused by finish materials and coatings ( glues, binders, fabrics, etc.)

Mold & Mildew: can be a problem in carpets, wall coverings, & fabrics

Vinyl common in finishes: manufacture of vinyl releases significant amounts of air pollution

Recycling of interior materials in its infancy