One of the many decisions you will make when building is what to put on your ceiling. Some modern building designs tend to focus on cost-effectiveness more than aesthetic beauty, which is why interior ceilings are typically done with drywall (Gib) rather than traditional plasterglass sheets and moldings.
The main benefit of using plasterglass on ceilings is that it provides a superior paint finish and is less likely to peak in the joints and pop the nails and screws as you may get with other ceiling products.
Today when building a home, many people still prefer the timeless, unique look of plaster, including the option of beautiful patterned cornices and domes. As well as being hardwearing and great to look at, a plaster ceiling will last for years and years. Here are some other benefits you will gain by choosing plaster for your home :
A better finish
Plaster ceilings provide a flatter, even surface. This means plaster gives a superior finish as it takes paint uniformly – a real plus when you use a washable paint that accentuates imperfections (more on installation of a plasterglass ceiling). Plaster is more forgiving if you have a room with a lot of natural light or lights which can throw shadows on the ceiling.
A point of difference
Do many new homes look the same to you these days? Plaster provides so many choices for you to create designs and styles that suit your taste – it can truly provide a point of difference in your home. Theme, colours, size and design are some of the many aspects to be considered when choosing plaster ceilings and decorative plaster for your home.
Varied designs
Gorgeous cornices or arches can be created from plaster where the wall meets the ceiling; long spires of ribbons and bells can be used to provide a charming effect while rose designs find their place in ceiling centres and domes - the possible choice of elegant designs is practically infinite.
Durability
Plaster not only lends elegance and beauty to a ceiling, it is also stronger and enhances durability.
If applied correctly, a plaster ceiling can last a lifetime.
Privacy and improved acoustics
Due to its superior density, plaster is a highly effective sound barrier, giving people in other rooms more privacy. This also provides better room acoustics and improves people’s ability to hear each other within a room.
Fire resistant qualities
The gypsum within the plaster is non-combustible, giving the ceiling fire-resistant qualities.
Installation of a plaster ceiling
- The hand crafted plasterglass sheets are fixed to the ceiling battens with Bostick glue and screws.
- Where possible, with a ceiling cavity, the joints are wadded. Wadding is a mixture of sisal / hemp and casting plaster which is hand mixed and then trowelled onto the joints to the hold the joint together. This is done on the underside of the plasterglass sheet.
- Once the glue is set (24 hours) the plasterglass board joints and screws can be plastered by a suitable plasterer.
- When the plaster is dry it is ready to paint. The painter must apply a pigmented oil base sealer first followed by two coats of the chosen paint.
Plasterglass ceilings do not require sanding whereas standard stopping on gib board ceilings requires sanding of joints and nail / screw areas. For Gib ceilings a waterbased sealant is used.
Finishes
Gib ceiling = Level 4 finish
Plasterglass ceiling = Level 5 finish
View BRANZ Type Test FH 54449-TT here