Gypsum Ceiling Installation

Gypsum Ceiling Installation for commercial and residential facilities in Kenya. Ever wondered how gypsum ceiling is installed? Installing a perfect gypsum designer ceiling system is not an easy task if compared to other ceiling systems like PVC ceiling, wooden T and G or soft boards. It requires careful planning in terms of measurements, needed tools, the correct materials and most important marking ceiling levels correctly. 

Essential Tools Required to install a Gypsum Ceiling System

There are several options for suspending or installing a gypsum ceiling either on concrete slab or roof. Some of the systems includes; The V-keel style system, the Hat furring channel system and the standard channel/stud system. We will discuss about the standard channel/stud type of installation which is cheaper in terms of materials and labor. Below are essential tools required to install a standard gypsum ceiling; either plain or design; Note that Gypsum Ceiling Supplies Ltd Sales all the mention drywall ceiling metal profiles and other related accessories

Tools Required

1. Tape Measure – A 12 feet tape measure will let you measure longer walls. It also helps measure and cut gypsum board panels in sizes
2. Level Machine (Recommended: Borsch GRL 300 HV Professional) – Take accurate levels for a strong, durable gypsum ceiling system
3. Hammer – Used to drive steel nails on concrete surface
4. Chalk line Marker – A chalk line or chalk box is a tool for marking long, straight lines on relatively flat surfaces, much farther than is practical by hand or with a straightedge
5. Drilling Machine for fastening (Borsch Cordless is Durable)– It is an easier to use tool for fastening screws to metal framing
6. T Square – A T-square is a technical drawing instrument used by draftsmen primarily as a guide for drawing horizontal lines on gypsum boards
7. Utility Knife – Used to cut gypsum board to required sizes
8. Dust Mask – Protect your respiratory system from drywall dust and impurities
9. Gypsum Plaster Pan – Easy to carry smaller amount of joint filler while skimming
10. Trowel – For applying and smoothing plaster on gypsum ceiling joints
11. Paint Brush – For painting unreachable surfaces and small spaces
12. Paint Roller – For painting large surfaces quickly
13. Paddle mixer – It is optional because you can still use a piece of wood to mix the joint filler.
14. Bucket – Used to mix joint filler
15. Tin snip – Used to cut metal profiles such as studs and channels to required length
16. Putty Knife – Used to apply joint filler in small holes and corners

You can get all the tools mentioned above at Gypsum Ceiling Supplies shop located at Ruai Bypass at the junction of Kangundo Road and Eastern Bypass or Westlands Branch at the Sarit Centre Round about. You can also call us to deliver gypsum ceiling materials to your location. Our mobile number 0706200300

Gypsum Ceiling Installation: Materials Required

This is a list of the most preferred materials required to install a long-lasting gypsum ceiling system with a strong framing and can withstand any type of environment

1. Gyproc Gypsum boards 9mm
2. Gyproc Gypsum Board Moisture Resistant 9mm for (Bathroom and Kitchen and verandah)
3. Gypsum Channels/tracks/Rails
4. Gypsum Studs
5. Wall Angles
6. Drywall Screws 1Inch or 1.5
7. Self-Drilling Screws 13mm
8. Gypsum Fiber tape
9. Gyproc gypsum filler 25Kg
10. Sandpaper grit P80
11. Paint Brush
12. Paint Roller
13. Undercoat Paint
14. Vinyl matt Paint
15. Steel nails 1 Inch or 1.5Inch

Gypsum Ceiling Installation Process: Step by Step

Step 1: Measurements

Take room measurements using a tape measure or a lesser measuring machine to determine the dimensions. Once you have the dimensions convert them into square meters and divide by the surface area of a standard gypsum board which is 2.88 square meters. I recommend a 9mm Gyproc gypsum board 8ft*4ft*9mm. Make sure you add some few sheets for wastage

Step 2: Levels

Using the lesser level machine or horse pipe, take the levels of the ceiling and mark long straight lines. Fix gypsum channels immediately below the ceiling joists where the wall screed ends. Using the already drawn lines as a guide, use steel nails to fix the perimeter channels.

Step 3: Metal Framing

Install two layers of metal studs, the first layer should run from channel to channel to create a 600mm centers between studs. The second layer should run on top of the first layer as a support structure. Make sure you interconnect the stud frame with gypsum screws. Support the stud framing on the roof rafters with studs. If the roof is high, consider installing steel tubes in the roof to be used as the support members for the ceiling structure

If you are installing gypsum ceiling on a slab, use 2- or 3-inch screws with pcs of gypsum wall angles to secure the stud framing on the slab. Alternatively, use roll bolts with steel tubes if the slab is weak. Anchor support studs to the steel tubes using self drilling screws at 600mm gaps

Step 4: Plumbing, HVA, Audio & Electrical Provisions

Install all the required electrical wires, audio wires, cctv wires, plumbing pipes and ducts at this stage before fixing the gypsum boards especially on slab surfaces. The roof shouldn’t worry because they are easily accessible

Step 5: Fixing Gypsum Boards

Once you are done with the studs, fix the 9mm gypsum boards starting from the middle of the room on the stud framing while staggering the joints. The utility knife will help you cut the gypsum boards to sizes where applicable. You can now tape the joints with joint tape if you were considering a flat gypsum ceiling system. Continue with step 6 for a gypsum designer ceiling

Step 6: Bulk Heads

On the flat ceiling you have already installed, draw (with your pencil) the geometrical shape you want to design by hand or by an already cut plywood as a guide. Fix channels or drywall angle along the guidelines of your shape and making sure your design structure is fixed firmly on the structural studs through the gypsum boards.

Step 7: Cutting Provisions for Fixtures

Cut provisions for lights, ceiling access doors and other fixtures at this stage

Step 7: Install Architectural Moldings

Install decorative moldings such as fiber cornices (fine, smooth and flexible) or gypsum cornices (Made from Plaster of Paris Powder) along the edge between the walls and the ceiling (Optional). Other architectural moldings include; medallions, corner trough and much more

Step 8: Finishing

Tape all joints with a special self-adhesive tape called gypsum fiber tape. Then apply 2 coats of joint filler preferably Gyproc gypsum filler in the taped joints. You can also decide to skim the entire gypsum ceiling.

Step 9: Painting

Sand down the joints with smooth sandpaper preferably grit P80 and make sure all bumps and imperfections are eliminated. Apply two coats of undercoat paint, it can be Crown covermatt or Superfast paint from Duracoat. You can apply the final coat of vinyl matt paint or any other decorations such as wallpaper, murals or textured paints.