Ceilings

The ceiling of a home is often the most overlooked element in the home improvement process. Typical ceiling tend to collect dust a vaporized oils over the years. Options for remodeling the ceiling vary with the existing ceiling age, condition and materials. Methods for cleaning and refinishing the ceiling vary with the materials used to construct the ceiling.

Drywall Ceilings

If the textured drywall (smooth or otherwise) is in good order, a cleaning with water and a mild soap may be all you need to do to prepare it for a new coat of paint. Any water damaged sections should be repaired or replaced. Make sure the source of the water damage is identified and repaired or the damage will repeat itself.

Popcorn or Textured Ceilings

This is one of the most difficult ceiling surfaces to clean and maintain. Over the years it absorbs oils and dirt and shows air flow patterns in the dust. In most cases it is impossible to clean without damaging areas of the ceiling. There are three common solutions.

The first is to simply paint over the popcorn ceiling finish. Use an off-white or bone color, rather than the brighter whites. It is best to spray paint it which requires masking off all surfaces where you would not want overspray.

The other option is to paint it with a deep-nap roller and thin the paint a bit to make it less likely to pull the crumbs off the ceiling. This method may take more than one coat to achieve the desired effect.

The most common method is to remove the popcorn finish. Once removed texture the ceiling with drywall mud and paint to your liking. The ceiling could then be covered with most standard ceiling materials.

Another option is to mount other ceiling panels over the popcorn finish either in a hanging method or mounted tightly against the surface.

Wood ceilings

Smooth wood ceilings that are finished with a varnish-type coating can be cleaned with water and a mild soap. If the coating material is not chipping and flaking, a new coat will probably make the ceiling look good as new. If you detect flaking and chipping you may need to sand the chipped areas or remove the flaking varnish with a liquid paint/varnish remover. Note that whatever you do to one part of the wood, you should do to all parts, as this will effect the final appearance once you re-stain and/or refinish the wood.

Ceiling Tiles

A variety of materials are available for ceiling tile application. Cork, tin, metals, wallboard, acoustic, insulation panels and many others. Some apply directly to the ceiling base while others are a drop ceiling suspended by various hanging apparatus. Some include decorator ceiling medallions within the pattern. The hanging ceiling tiles allow an air space between the tiles and the ceiling proper which adds additional insulation qualities. Most suspended ceiling tiles are removable and can be taken down for cleaning. Check the manufacturers instructions before cleaning.

Ceiling Lights & Fixtures

To install ceiling lights in existing ceilings, begin by carefully plotting the placement of the lights. If you have an accurate way to position them with measurements, the job is simpler. The problem is locating the positions in the attic once you identify them on the ceiling.

Here is a little trick. From inside the room drill a 1/8" hole up through the ceiling in the spot where you would like the light fixture to be mounted. Next place a straightened coat hanger wire (preferably white) up through the hole so it extends a foot or more into the attic. Next go into the attic and locate the white wire with a flashlight. You now know where your desired position is located. You can adjust if necessary to avoid or employ ceiling joists for mounting. Once you determine the exact mounting location from inside the attic use the fixture to mark and then then cut the hole. If the original 1/8" hole is outside the final hole area, it is easily patched. This same technique can be used for mounting ceiling speakers as well.

Manufacturers

Armstrong Ceiling Tile
USG Ceiling Tile

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Ceiling Tiles By Us

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