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September 23, 2009
What to Use for Cellar Ceiling?
After doing some cellar repairs, we now need to replace the ceiling. Currently it is (or was) a random mix of sheet rock and old sheet metal. I've read here about the appropriate fire grade material to use for this application but now can't find those references. Can anyone advise me? Thanks, folks.
Comments
Might be wrong, but I believe X-rated sheetrock is acceptable. BFAG? How about a tin ceiling over sheetrock?
Posted by: cmu at September 23, 2009 2:36 PM
If your basement is on the damp side (common with unfinished basements) sheetrock is not advised because mold loves to grow on it. I forget the name of the recommended material though.
Posted by: mopar at September 23, 2009 3:37 PM
Sorry, didn't see fire grade. I believe you're supposed to put up sheet metal over the boiler but I've never heard you're supposed to use it on the whole ceiling.
Posted by: mopar at September 23, 2009 3:38 PM
some of the code is based on what type of bldg...single, 2family, multi...
At least in multi you need fire rated material. Does no need to be sheet metal but you can use it.
Also could be differences to boiler room (which should be enclosed from rest of cellar in multi).
Single and 2 fam has much more leeway. Not sure of NYC code...but obviously rest of country does not require ceiling be covered and doubt does here either.
There is mold resistent sheetrock out these days if that is an issue for you.
Posted by: Petebklyn at September 23, 2009 3:46 PM
To add to mopar's note, we used green-board (normally used in bathrooms and wet areas of kitchens, on all the walls and ceiling, just in case. Turned out we were fairly dry (though we have a dehumidifier), but better safe than sorry.
Our boiler room was retrofitted with standing seam roofing in the 60's which we were told was aok, though kinda useless since we have no door to the room, as it also acts as a work space and laundry room.
Posted by: Action Jackson at September 23, 2009 3:48 PM
Any type X sheetrock will give you a fire rating, 1 hour for each 5/8" layer. You need a two hour rating in the boiler room, metal is not required. If you have moisture issues use Dens Armour or Densglas. Some green board is rated for ceilings some is not, it may sag.
Posted by: edifice rex at September 23, 2009 4:44 PM
Thanks, all.
Posted by: grand army at September 24, 2009 2:38 PM
Double 5/8" sheet rock in multi boiler room, unless you clearance dimension is too little (don't remember what it was), but that triggers requirement for tin over double sheetrock to get long enough time rating.
Posted by: brucef at September 25, 2009 12:40 AM
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