Suspended Acoustic Ceiling Systems

Figure 5-16.—Vertical wood paneling. When solid wood paneling is applied horizontally, furring strips are not required-the boards are nailed directly to-the studs. Inside corners are formed by butting the paneling units flush with the other walls. If random widths are used, boards on adjacent walls must match and be accurately aligned. Vertical installations require furring strips at the top and bottom of the wall and at various intermediate spaces. Sometimes, 2- by 4-inch blocking is installed between the studs to serve as a nailing base (see fig. 5-16). Even when heavy T&G boards are used, these nailing members should not be spaced more than 24 inches apart. Narrow widths (4 to 6 inches) of T&G paneling are blind-nailed (see insert in fig. 5-16). The nailheads do not appear on finished surfaces, and you eliminate the need for countersinking and filling nail holes. This nailing method also provides a smooth, blemish-free surface. This is especially important when clear finishes are used. Drive 6d finishing nails at a 45° angle into the base of the tongue and on into the bearing point. Carefully plumb the first piece installed and check for the plumbness at regular intervals. For lumber paneling (not tongue and grooved), use 6d casing or finishing nails. Use two roils at each nailing member for panels 6 inches or less in width and three nails for wider panels. Exterior wall constructions, where the interior surface consists of solid wood paneling, should include a tight application of building paper located close to the backside of the boards. This prevents the infiltration of wind and dust through the joints. In cold climates, insulation and vapor barriers are important. Base, corner and ceiling trim can be used for decorative purposes or to conceal irregularities in joints. SUSPENDED ACOUSTIC CEILING SYSTEMS LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Upon completing this section, you should be able to identify the materials used to install a suspended acoustical ceiling and explain the methods of installation. Suspended acoustical ceiling systems can be installed to lower a ceiling, finish off exposed joints, cover damaged plaster, or make any room quieter and brighter. The majority of the systems available are primarily designed for acoustical control. However, many manufacturers offer systems that integrate the functions of lighting, air distribution, fire protection, and acoustical control. Individual characteristics of acoustical tiles, including sound-absorption co- efficients, noise-reduction coefficients, light-reflection values, flame resistance, and architectural applications, are available from the manufacturer. Tiles are available in 12-to 30-inch widths, 12-to 60-inch lengths, and 3/16- to 3/4-inch thicknesses. The larger sizes are referred to as “panels.” The most commonly used panels in suspended ceiling systems are the standard 2-by 2-foot and 2- by 4-foot acoustic panels composed of mineral or cellulose fibers. It is beyond the scope of this training manual to acquaint you with each of the suspended acoustical ceiling systems in use today. Just as the components of these systems vary according to manufacturers, so do the procedures involved in their installation. With this in mind, the following discussion is designed to acquaint you with the principles involved in the installation of a typical suspended acoustical ceiling system. PREPARATION FOR INSTALLATION The success of a suspended ceiling project, as with any other construction project, is as dependent on planning as it is on construction methods and procedures. Planning, in this case, involves the selection of a grid system (either steel or aluminum), the selection and layout of a grid pattern, and the determination of 5-15