A ceiling style and covering add architectural and aesthetic qualities to the room. Ceiling styles and coverings can be combined to create a unique environment and accent the era and style of the home. High ceilings add a distinctly open feel to the room. Lower ceilings create a closer, cozier environment.
Drywall, Plaster and Lathe
Drywall ceilings are the most common type of ceiling. Plaster and lathe ceilings are often found in older houses. Both types of ceilings can be painted, wallpapered and covered with a variety of covering options such as tin, ply and batten, or stretched PVC. Drywall ceilings are easy to maintain with a fresh coat of paint every three to five years. They are also easy to repair from water damage with a patch of drywall and plaster.
Tongue and Groove
Tongue and groove ceilings are covered with tongue and groove wood or plastic tongue and groove products. These ceilings take a lot of time to install because each piece has to be finished with stain and sealant or paint, cut to size, and nailed into place. This type of ceiling should be cleaned annually with warm soapy water to prevent discoloration from airborne dirt and grease. Repairs from water or other damage may require replacing the entire ceiling.
Suspended Tile
Suspended tile ceilings are often installed to cover damage to the original ceiling, to lower the ceiling or to add acoustical properties for rooms such as a home theater. A grid of tees is installed to hold the tiles in place, and the tiles are inserted in the grid tees. The tiles are easily removed for cleaning when necessary. Repairs to damaged tiles are performed by simply replacing the damaged tile.
Dome, Cathedral, Cove, Tray and Shed
Flat ceilings are the most common, however, architectural designs enhance the look of a home. Domed ceilings have a dome shape, curved from the sides to the top. Cathedral ceilings angle up to a central peak. Cove ceilings have a curved edge around the perimeter where the ceiling meets the walls. Tray ceilings have an angle around the perimeter where the ceiling meets the walls. A shed ceiling has an angle, similar to a cathedral ceiling, to the central peak. However, the other side of the peak is a solid vertical wall to the floor.
Considerations
When choosing a ceiling type for your home, take the cost of heating and cooling into consideration. High ceilings increase the amount of heat needed in the winter because heat rises. Lower ceilings increase the cost of cooling because the heat is trapped in a lower area. Fans, windows and vents can be incorporated into the design to improve heating and cooling efficiency and decrease heating and cooling costs.
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