40% or more of heat loss is via air leaks, and drop ceilings are far from air tight. Drywall taped and seamed well makes a good air barrier, and it is less expensive and more fire resistant than taped plywood. Once you’ve sealed all the leaks, blow in at least the EPA recommended amount of insulation over top.
Is plywood good for insulation?
Plywood is one insulation option. The R-value is a measure of how effective a material is as an insulator, i.e. how well it keeps cold air out of a warm building, or hot air out of a cold building.
Can you put insulation on top of a drop ceiling?
Adding insulation to a dropped ceiling is a straightforward process, but because the ceiling grid is somewhat hampering, use 4-foot insulation batts instead of longer rolled batting. In warm regions, R-30 insulation is often sufficient for ceilings, while colder climates might require insulation values up to R-49.
Can you Sheetrock over drop ceiling?
In some homes, drop ceilings conceal utility pipes, duct work and electrical wiring. Rather than reroute them, you have two choices: Create boxes constructed from wood framing and drywall and install the ceiling drywall around these items, or create your own suspended ceiling with a new, framed ceiling.
Is drywall or drop ceiling better?
When it comes down to choosing between dropped ceiling and drywall, it often comes down to aesthetics and ease of access. Dropped ceilings are an excellent option for areas where you need to easily reach wiring, plumbing, or HVAC systems, like finished basements or garages.
Is drywall or plywood more insulated?
Drywall offers superior fire resistance compared to plywood, making it the safer wall finish in most applications. In California, residential building codes require a one-hour fire rating at walls separating an attached garage from the living space, and at any enclosed living space above the stairs.
Is plywood more insulating than drywall?
Drywall is more fire resistant than plywood – Often people are worried about the fire resistance in their home. This is why drywall is chosen. Drywall is much better than plywood when it comes to being fire resistant as it does not burn as fast or catch on fire as easily.
How do you insulate a drop ceiling in a basement?
The best way to insulate a drop ceiling is to install batt insulation between the ceiling joists before installing the hanging grid; this installation would proceed as any insulation installation.
What is the difference between a drop ceiling and a suspended ceiling?
Glossary. A suspended ceiling is the exact same thing as a drop ceiling, also called a dropped ceiling. These terms refer to a type of ceiling paneling that hangs below the main structural ceiling.
How far down does a drop ceiling hang?
The minimum should be 7 feet, 6 inches, and it should also be 3 inches below any plumbing and 5 inches below any lighting. Once you have figured out the ceiling level, snap a chalk line to mark it.
Is a drop ceiling more expensive than drywall?
Is it cheaper to drywall or drop a ceiling? At $5 to $28 per square foot, drop ceilings are more expensive to install than drywall. Installing drywall costs $1 to $3 per square foot but that does not include painting prices, which are $2 to $6 for each square foot.
Do basement ceilings need insulation?
Insulating the basement ceiling will keep most of the heat upstairs in the living space. As a result, the basement will be colder in the winter making it important to also insulate any water pipes or heating/cooling ducts in the basement.
What is the cheapest way to finish a basement ceiling?
Thin wood paneling — typically 1/8- to 1/4-inch thick — can cover an exposed ceiling, and it’s available in a variety of designs. Fir plywood, hardboard, even oriented-strand-board (OSB) are even more affordable, but these less-expensive options typically require paint or sealant.
What is the easiest ceiling to install?
Surface-mount ceiling tiles are easy to install. The grid for this system is much easier that the drop-ceiling grid, and the tiles attach directly to the grid. This is another project that can be done by one person, and in most cases, the tiles that go into place can be easily cut to size using scissors.
What is the cheapest way to cover a ceiling?
Glue-On and Staple-On Ceilings
If you’re looking for an affordable option that’s low maintenance and easy to install, consider a glue-on or staple-on ceiling. They’re available in basic textures and elaborate designs and attach directly to the existing ceiling or onto furring strips attached to the ceiling.
What can I do with a plywood ceiling?
Youtube quote:So we decided to go with pre finished because once it's on the ceiling. That's it that's all you have to do a few tiny little pinhole nails. And you get a beautiful finish.
What is the cheapest ceiling to install?
Drywall is the most inexpensive ceiling to install at $2 to $3 per square foot. Tray ceilings are equally affordable at $2 to $4 per square foot and so are tongue and groove designs.
Can plywood be used for ceiling?
Plywood is easy to handle
You can add plywood to your ceiling without worrying about its weight. You don’t need to use any additional support just to install it. The material is also much more workable than hardwood. You can cut a sheet of plywood into different sizes without using any special tools.
How much does it cost to drywall a ceiling?
The cost to drywall a ceiling ranges from $2.25 to $3 per square foot. This is because ceilings are more difficult to hang and finish. Part of the higher cost for ceilings includes lightweight drywall.
