Ceiling System

[dik]

We are looking for a ceiling system to be used in a high humidity area as a replacement for one that has deteriorated.

Is there a T-bar system that can be used for this type of application?

Dik

 

[Ron]

dik...all the T-bar systems I know of are coated steel. I did a wall and ceiling design a few years back for an indoor swimming pool. Used all stainless steel hardward and exterior gypsum board.

You could probably use a T-bar system and then epoxy coat the whole thing...assuming no significant moisture gets into the cavity above.

 

[dik]

Thanks Ron,

It's a generator area with slightly elevated temperatures (30-35C) and high humidity.

I've not used SS T-bar and that may be a solution. I can get SS anchors, and wire to go with it. I didn't think the coating that most T-bars would hold up. The original is wire hangers into concrete with expanded lath and plaster... and it is slowly failing. I have to find out if there are any heritage issues, first.

Dik

 

[dhengr]

Dik:
Many of the problems I’ve seen and heard about with these ceiling systems is the deterioration of the structural and ceiling hanging materials in the humid space btwn. the ceiling plane and the actual structural floor/roof above. At the least these spaces should be vented to control the humidity and the damage it does. Maybe this space should actually be lightly pressurized with less humid outside air. That way, the air flow would be out of this ceiling space and into the generator room; rather than humid air being drawn into this ceiling space. I can imagine that the high humidity would eventually have adverse affect on a plaster and metal lath ceiling, particularly since it is almost constant and likely acting from both sides.

Why not really be different, and make this ceiling space be a conditioned space, so as to control the heat and humidity in that volume. Design a fairly typical hung ceiling system, but on its underside apply a good vapor barrier material which is actually sealed to the exterior walls and around penetrations, etc. Provide some controllable ventilating registers or slots in the ceiling and into the generator room. I have no particular vapor barrier material or manufacturer in mind, maybe a 20mil EPDM, just glued to the main ceiling material. I don’t have the details worked out, but I imagine this as an upside down roof system, to keep the humidity out of the ceiling space. Your friendly Mechanical Engineer (HVAC) might help you with this.

 

[dik]

Thanks dh... I'd already asked the mech group about providing a slight +ve pressure in the space. I've done that with swimming pools. I'll include the barrier concept. I've got a call in to the local Armstrong rep to see what the availability of SS track is...

Also waiting to hear from the client about what he wants to do and if the structure has any heritage value.

Dik